WhoisXML API Flags 13,645 Election-Style Domains Ahead of 2026 Midterms

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 30

62,081 election-named domains have been created since September 2025, and WhoisXML API identified 13,645 that looked like campaign sites before the 2026 midterms.
90% of the campaign-style set hid registrant identities and 88% were registered for one year, patterns that can be legitimate but become riskier when paired with copied branding or donation requests.
Researchers found live storefronts using candidates' names, including pages offering donation-style payments of up to $1,000 and collecting names, addresses, emails, phone numbers and card details through their own checkouts.
Examples included look-alike domains such as massiemoneybomb.us and a 58-day-old kenpaxton.us, showing how small URL changes and polished designs can mimic official campaign stores.
The study found no direct evidence of stolen money or misused data, but urged voters and campaigns to verify official domains, FEC disclaimers and payment links as AI makes convincing copycat sites easier to build.