The cryptocurrency industry has significantly increased its political influence heading into the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, with the leading pro-crypto political action committee **Fairshake and its affiliated PACs now reporting more than $193 million in available funds. That total already exceeds the nearly $135 million the group deployed during the 2024 election cycle and signals a renewed and intensified effort from the digital asset sector to shape federal policy and lawmaking. (Axios)
Fairshake’s war chest includes substantial new contributions from major industry players such as Coinbase, Ripple, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), each injecting tens of millions of dollars into the effort. The committee’s spokesperson has emphasized that these resources will be used to support pro-crypto candidates and oppose those perceived as hostile to the industry’s interests. (Axios)
The surge in fundraising follows a 2024 election cycle in which Fairshake-backed candidates fared well in congressional races, helping to secure legislative wins for the industry — including approval of a major stablecoin bill and confirmations of regulators viewed as more favorable to digital assets. However, tensions remain between political and corporate priorities; for example, Coinbase recently withdrew support for a Senate Agriculture Committee bill, citing late changes with “fatal flaws,” which delayed its markup. (Axios)
As the 2026 midterms approach, Fairshake appears determined to expand the reach of its political influence and help shape the next U.S. Congress’s stance on cryptocurrency regulation and related policy issues. (Axios)