Voters in Virginia’s 11th congressional district will elect a replacement for late Rep. Gerry Connolly in a special election, with Democrat James Walkinshaw facing Republican Stewart Whitson. A cryptocurrency-backed PAC, Protect Progress, spent over $1 million to support Walkinshaw, potentially impacting the outcome. Walkinshaw reported more campaign contributions than Whitson.
The Tuesday election in Virginia could indicate the future influence of cryptocurrency in US elections, following Fairshake’s $130 million spending in 2024. Walkinshaw is favored to win in the Democratic stronghold district, potentially further narrowing the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Election results may require bipartisan support for legislation.
Fairshake affiliate, Defend American Jobs, spent over $1.5 million to support Republican candidates in Florida special elections, signaling continued influence at state and local levels. Crypto industry players contributed $4,000 to candidates in New Jersey’s gubernatorial primaries, with potential involvement in New York City’s mayoral race. Fairshake reported holding over $141 million for future federal elections, potentially impacting party control of Congress in 2027.
Read more at Cointelegraph: Voters Head to Polls in Virginia Race Backed by Crypto Spending
