Why it could be hard: Coker comes to the role amid mounting conservative backlash to the Biden administration’s cybersecurity and disinformation efforts — which a growing number of Republicans allege has become a smokescreen to censor conservative voices online.
That was a key reason why six of seven Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee declined to throw their support behind Coker’s nomination last month, and the same dynamic appears to have played out Tuesday. Two years ago, by contrast, the Senate unanimously backed Inglis.
Why it could be easy: With the office stood up and the strategy published, Coker faces a less daunting path ahead than Inglis or Walden did.
Coker has said he will stick to the 57-page strategy implementation plan ONCD released this summer. At his confirmation hearing, Coker pledged to continue the “good work” the office has done since its inception.
Prove yourself: Unlike Inglis or Walden, Coker will begin as an outsider within the ONCD and a relative unknown in D.C.
He’s done enough already to win strong endorsements from leading cyber lawmakers, including Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.). But many first preferred Walden, whose candidacy the White House nixed over concerns — some claim unfair — about her personal debt.
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