Crypto Super PACs Storm Back: Millions Flood 2026 US Elections in Bid for Policy Dominance
Crypto's political war chest just reloaded—and this time, they're playing for keeps.
Super PACs backed by digital asset heavyweights are deploying eight-figure sums to sway key races, turning midterm battlegrounds into proxy wars for blockchain regulation. The move signals crypto's shift from outsider agitator to Washington power player.
Follow the money (unless you're an SEC commissioner—then maybe don't)
Insiders confirm seven major crypto firms have already committed $25M+ to influence House and Senate committees overseeing digital asset legislation. The spending spree targets both parties—because when it comes to buying political capital, crypto's happily bipartisan.
Regulatory capture 2.0?
The cash surge comes as lawmakers draft bills that could make or break DeFi's future in America. Critics warn of 'regulation shopping,' while crypto execs counter they're just 'participating in democracy' (with better-funded lobbyists than Goldman Sachs).
One thing's certain: in the high-stakes game of crypto policy, the house always wins—even when it's supposedly decentralized.
Fairshake And Allies Drive Pro-Crypto Agenda
According to a recent report by journalist Eleanor Terret for crypto In America, the largest and most affluent of these super PACs, Fairshake, along with its affiliates Defend American Jobs and Protect Progress, has already invested an impressive $136 million in support of over 58 pro-crypto candidates in the 2024 election cycle.
This substantial funding highlights their dedication to promoting candidates who support cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, building on the significant progress already made, particularly in the US Congress.
Over the weekend, Protect Progress, a group typically aligned with Democratic candidates, reportedly played a pivotal role in the primary victory of James Walkinshaw in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
The PAC allocated $1 million in advertising to support Walkinshaw, who is vying to fill the vacancy left by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, a known opponent of digital asset initiatives.
Walkinshaw, who previously served as Connolly’s chief of staff for a decade, has expressed his support for blockchain technology as a vital component of Northern Virginia’s economic development strategy.
In contrast, his predecessor, Connolly, had a track record of opposing digital asset legislation, receiving an “F” on the Stand With Crypto scorecard for his votes against pro-crypto measures, including the FIT21 market structure bill.
PACs Gear Up For 2026 Midterms
Walkinshaw’s victory over nine opponents in the Democratic primary, including Virginia State Senator Stella Pekarsky, highlights the shifting political landscape for a more pro-digital asset enviroment.
Pekarsky criticized Walkinshaw for accepting support from the crypto industry, stating, “I haven’t taken a penny from crypto PACs because you deserve a voice in Congress that serves you, not the billionaires who funded Trump’s inauguration.”
In response to such criticisms, Protect Progress defended its role, asserting, “Once again, politically motivated attacks against crypto didn’t work — because a vast majority of Americans, including Democrats, want Congress to unlock American innovation with responsible crypto regulation, not demonize an entire industry.”
Walkinshaw’s win adds to a string of successes for Fairshake this election cycle. In April, the PAC endorsed two Republican candidates in Florida, Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine, both of whom emerged victorious with a collective $1.5 million in backing from Fairshake.
As it stands, Fairshake and its affiliates are well-prepared for the 2026 midterms, boasting over $100 million in resources. This financial strength is bolstered by contributions from prominent players in the digital asset space, including Coinbase, Andreessen Horowitz, and Ripple.
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
