Investing.com — Cryptocurrency companies have invested $189 million to influence the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, already surpassing the $170 million they spent during the 2024 election cycle, according to a report released by consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.
The report estimates that the crypto sector accounts for more than a third of all corporate political spending related to this year’s congressional elections and related primaries, making it the largest source of corporate election financing. The industry also led corporate political donations during the 2024 election cycle, when many of the candidates it supported scored victories.
The crypto industry has already won significant political victories. Last year, Congress approved legislation establishing the first federal regulatory framework for stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to the U.S. dollar, in a move that supporters say will encourage broader adoption of digital assets.
The industry is now pressuring lawmakers to pass additional laws, including the Clarity Act, which would establish a broader regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. Industry advocates say the move would provide much-needed legal certainty and address key regulatory challenges facing digital asset companies.
Public Citizen said companies in the artificial intelligence, technology and online gaming industries have also increased their political spending. Together, these sectors and the crypto industry contributed approximately $294 million to the 2026 elections, ahead of November elections for the entire House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the Senate.
“The takeaway is that corporate money plays a bigger role than ever in our elections, and it’s only growing,” said Rick Claypool, research director at Public Citizen and author of the report.
The report based its analysis on contributions to political action committees (PACs), which collect donations to support candidates and policy initiatives.
Among the largest contributors to pro-crypto policy committees were venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, blockchain company Ripple Labs, Foris DAX, which…
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