Crypto PACs May Boost Spending After CLARITY Act Defeat

The U.S. Senate voted 49 in favor and 50 against advancing the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act on September 15, reducing the likelihood of the bill’s passage before the 2027 session.

Crypto PACs Respond

Fairshake, a political action committee backed by Coinbase and Ripple Labs, announced a plan to spend $30 million to oppose former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown in the upcoming Senate race. Brown, who chaired the Senate Banking Committee and has supported policies critical of cryptocurrency, could become a pivotal vote if Democrats regain a Senate majority.

Historical Spending Context

In the 2024 election cycle, Fairshake spent roughly $41 million opposing Brown and over $130 million on advertising overall, illustrating the scale of potential future outlays.

Industry Statements

Stand With Crypto, an initiative launched by Coinbase in 2023, warned that lawmakers who voted against the CLARITY Act could face “consequences” in the 2026 midterms. The group’s executive director, Mason Lynaugh, said the vote clarifies which officials support the crypto community.

Regulatory Filings

As of the latest Federal Election Commission filings, Fairshake and its affiliated PACs (Defend American Jobs and Protect Progress) have not reported post‑vote expenditures. Other crypto‑aligned PACs, including Fellowship (funded by Cantor Fitzgerald and Anchorage Digital) and the Digital Freedom Fund (backed by Gemini co‑founders), also show no recent spending.