A newly launched crypto-backed political action committee supported by Chainlink Labs and Anchorage Digital has announced its first slate of bipartisan endorsements ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, signaling that the crypto industry is continuing its aggressive expansion into American politics. The group, called the Blockchain Leadership Fund (BLF), was launched earlier this year as a hybrid PAC designed to support candidates viewed as favorable toward digital asset innovation and blockchain regulation in the United States.
Crypto Industry Expands Political Influence
The endorsements highlight how rapidly the crypto industry is evolving into a major political force in Washington. Over the past two election cycles, crypto firms have increasingly used PACs and lobbying organizations to influence lawmakers and shape legislation tied to:
- Stablecoins
- Market structure
- Crypto banking access
- Blockchain regulation.
The Blockchain Leadership Fund joins a growing list of industry-backed political groups that now includes major organizations like Fairshake, which spent more than $130 million during the 2024 election cycle supporting pro-crypto candidates. Unlike some politically aligned PACs, BLF says it intends to support both Republican and Democratic candidates who back “responsible digital asset policy.”
The First Endorsements Span Multiple States
The PAC’s initial Senate endorsements include:
- Barry Moore in Alabama
- Kurt Alme in Montana
- Jon Husted in Ohio
- Angie Craig in Minnesota.
The House endorsements include candidates from:
- Georgia
- Texas
- Maryland
- North Carolina.
Among the higher-profile endorsements are:
- Houston Gaines, a Georgia lawmaker running for Congress
- Jim Kingston, son of former Congressman Jack Kingston
- Christian Menefee, a Texas Democrat seeking a full congressional term.
The endorsements show the industry is focusing heavily on races that could influence future congressional control and crypto legislation.
Crypto Regulation Is Becoming a Major Election Issue
The PAC’s launch comes during a pivotal period for digital asset legislation in the United States. Congress is currently debating major bills including:
- The CLARITY Act
- Stablecoin legislation
- Market structure reforms for crypto trading platforms.
Industry leaders increasingly believe the outcome of the 2026 midterms could directly impact whether the U.S. becomes more supportive—or more restrictive—toward blockchain innovation and crypto businesses. In statements tied to the PAC launch, Anchorage Digital described 2026 as a “watershed year” for crypto regulation, while Chainlink Labs emphasized the importance of organized industry support for lawmakers backing pro-innovation policies.
Crypto PAC Spending Keeps Growing
The rise of the Blockchain Leadership Fund reflects a much broader trend happening across American politics. Crypto companies are becoming some of the country’s most aggressive political spenders. Groups like Fairshake, backed by firms including Coinbase and Ripple, helped fund some of the most expensive congressional races during the last election cycle.
Many political analysts now view crypto lobbying as one of the fastest-growing forces influencing financial regulation in Washington. The industry’s growing political power comes after years of tension between crypto firms and federal regulators, particularly during the Biden administration’s enforcement-heavy approach toward digital assets.
Now, with a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment emerging under the Trump administration, the industry appears focused on solidifying long-term political influence ahead of future legislative battles.
