Political action committees (PACs) in the crypto industry have raised millions for the US midterm elections. Fairshake, the main super PAC, received $133 million in 2025, with backing from a16z, Coinbase, and Ripple. The crypto lobby aims to pass the CLARITY Act, facing opposition from Democrats and influencing policy in Washington.
The crypto industry’s increased political involvement began in 2020-2021, with massive ad buys and lobbying efforts. Coinbase and Ripple significantly increased their spending on lobbying, while figures like Sam Bankman-Fried made substantial political contributions. However, the industry faced setbacks following the market crash and regulatory actions by the SEC.
The crypto lobby’s influence extends to policy-making in Washington, with the industry actively engaging with lawmakers on regulatory matters. Coinbase’s withdrawal from supporting the market structure bill has stalled progress, with talks between crypto and banking leaders failing to reach a deal. The influx of crypto money in politics has raised concerns about the democratic process and voter representation.
As the crypto industry seeks to advance its interests in Washington, concerns about election integrity arise. Trump’s calls to “nationalize” voting processes and claims of widespread fraud have sparked debates. Amidst these challenges, the crypto industry’s growing influence in politics adds another layer of complexity to the US political landscape.
Read more at Cointelegraph: Crypto PACs Stack Millions Ahead of Midterms
