U.S. Regulation

As 2026 Midterms Near, Stand With Crypto Zeroes in on State and Federal Races with New Candidate Survey

Crypto advocacy group Stand With Crypto has begun surveying political candidates as the 2026 midterms draw closer. The group said it launched a survey of both incumbents and non-incumbents in state and federal races to get a sense of their crypto leanings, according to a statement on Monday. Stand With Crypto grades politicians on an A-to-F scale based on their support for the crypto industry, using public statements, voting records, and surveys.

“The next Congress will have a significant impact on whether or not the U.S. adopts the pro-crypto policies that will foster continued economic growth, innovation, and access,” Stand With Crypto community director Mason Lynaugh said in a statement. The group asked candidates a series of questions, including whether they have bought or sold crypto and what their beliefs are on the topics of crypto innovation, de-banking, consumer protections, and Bitcoin mining. The responses will then be used to score each candidate with a letter grade, the group said.

“The results of the questionnaire — which are expected to be made available to voters in early 2026 — will also inform how Stand With Crypto mobilizes its network of more than 2.6 million grassroots advocates in the next year in critical battleground races across the country,” the group said.

The crypto industry played a pivotal role in the previous elections in 2024, spending millions of dollars, with influence going through super political action committees (PAC). The Stand with Crypto PAC launched in May 2024 with support from Coinbase to target U.S. elections and has an ongoing scorecard rating lawmakers on their crypto-friendliness.

SWC’s latest survey comes as lawmakers in Washington, D.C. continue work on a bill to regulate crypto taxonomy after passing a bill over the summer focused on stablecoins. This legislative drive was stalled for over a month due to the government shutdown. Many experts are now considering the political calculus of the midterm elections next year as lawmakers shift focus to campaigning.

Terron Gold

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