LOS ANGELES _ The FBI has reportedly investigated a series of cyberattacks against a former Democratic opponent of Rep. Dana Rohrbacher, R-Calif., one of the most vulnerable Republicans seeking re-election in November due in part to his pro-Russia statements.
Rolling Stone reported Wednesday that unknown hackers successfully targeted Hans Keirstead, a stem-cell scientist who finished third in the 48th Congressional District primary in June, just behind fellow Democrat Harley Rouda.
Kyle Quinn-Quesada, Keirstead's former campaign manager, told Rolling Stone he did not believe the cyberattacks affected the outcome of the primary and it was unclear who was behind the spying effort.
However, the reported infiltration coincides with evidence that Russians have continued to meddle in U.S. politics after intervening in support of President Donald Trump's campaign in 2016. Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Claire McCaskill of Missouri both said their congressional offices were targeted by Russian hackers. Last week, Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson claimed Russian hackers had also compromised voting systems in his home state of Florida.
Rohrabacher, who has represented coastal Orange County for nearly three decades, has drawn criticism from members of both parties for his pro-Russian sympathies. He received just 30 percent support in the June 5 primary and Democrats, who need 23 seats to gain control of the House, have made Rohrabacher a top target.
