Rising threats and harassment against public officials are reshaping politics, deterring potential candidates, and influencing decisions in ways that undermine democratic processes. A study conducted by the Violence, Inequality, and Power Lab (VIP Lab) at the University of San Diego highlights the growing problem of political violence, especially in Southern California.
Researchers noted a sharp increase in federal charges for threats against public officials, with annual averages rising from 38 between 2013 and 2016 to 62 between 2017 and 2022. This environment of intimidation erodes democratic principles, replacing respectful dialogue with fear-driven decision-making.
The study examined Southern California’s San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial counties, home to 15% of the state’s population. Researchers used surveys, interviews, media reviews, and social media analysis to document the frequency and severity of threats.
In San Diego County, 75% of surveyed officials reported experiencing threats or harassment in the past five years, with many encountering such incidents on a monthly basis. Intimidation tactics included being followed, having personal information shared on the dark web, and even harassment directed at their families. These actions created a climate of fear that made public service increasingly precarious.
Officials cited contentious issues such as COVID-19 policies, gun control, school curricula, and LGBTQ+ rights as frequent triggers for abuse. Female officials, in particular, reported significantly higher rates of harassment compared to their male counterparts. These threats often took a personal or sexualized tone, targeting their appearance, morality, or family. One school board member described being followed by a car near her home, a form of harassment her male colleagues did not experience. Such accounts underscore the disproportionate burden placed on women in public office.
Rising Threats Against Public Officials Undermine Democracy and Deter Public Service
Interestingly, while women and minority officials reported experiencing more threats, white, male, rural, and conservative officials were more likely to express concern about rising political violence. This suggests a shift in how threats are deployed, with intimidation now used more broadly as a political tool to influence decisions. The widespread use of threats undermines public service by making intimidation an accepted part of political engagement. This troubling development signals a move away from democratic norms and toward a more aggressive and confrontational political environment.
The consequences of this climate are far-reaching. Six percent of surveyed officials admitted to changing their votes due to intimidation, while others reported considering resigning. National data supports these findings, with threats against Congress members nearly doubling between 2018 and 2021, and 89% of state legislators reporting harassment or intimidation in the past three years. Although many of these incidents do not involve physical violence, they create an environment of hostility that stifles effective governance and discourages officials from serving their communities.
This atmosphere of fear dissuades public participation and weakens democracy. Officials stepping down or citizens deciding not to run for office due to intimidation reduces representation and limits the diversity of voices in government. Surveys reveal that nearly 70% of mayors know someone who chose not to pursue public office because of fear of violence. For democracy to function, it is crucial to address this growing trend of political violence, ensuring that public service is driven by accountability and representation, not by threats and fear.
