A crypto advocacy group backed by Coinbase has unveiled its first round of Senate endorsements ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, signaling that the industry's political battle is shifting from Capitol Hill to the campaign trail following the collapse of the Clarity Act.
Endorsements Signal a New Strategy
The group's inaugural Senate picks include Republicans Jon Husted and Ashley Hinson, alongside Democrat Chris Pappas. The bipartisan slate underscores the industry's long-standing effort to frame digital asset policy as a cause that transcends party lines.
The endorsements arrive roughly two weeks after the Clarity Act, a key piece of market structure legislation, stalled out in Congress. That setback dealt a blow to hopes that comprehensive crypto rules could be enacted through the legislative process in the near term.
By throwing its weight behind specific candidates, the Coinbase-aligned organization is betting that shaping the makeup of the Senate could prove more effective than lobbying an often gridlocked chamber.
When legislation stalls in the halls of Congress, the industry is turning to the ballot box instead.
The Fight Moves to the Campaign Trail
The move reflects a broader trend of crypto interests investing heavily in electoral politics. Industry-affiliated political action committees have already demonstrated a willingness to spend aggressively to support friendly candidates and oppose those seen as hostile to the sector.
Backing lawmakers from both parties allows the group to hedge against shifting political tides and maintain influence regardless of which party controls the Senate after the midterms.
- Jon Husted, Republican, endorsed for Senate
- Ashley Hinson, Republican, endorsed for Senate
- Chris Pappas, Democrat, endorsed for Senate
With the Clarity Act's future uncertain, the endorsements mark an escalation in the industry's push to secure allies who can advance favorable regulation once a new Congress is seated. The 2026 cycle is shaping up to be a pivotal test of how much sway crypto money can wield in American elections.