Crypto firms pour $206 million into 2026 US election cycle

Crypto companies have spent a total of $206 million on the 2026 U.S. election cycle, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings by Public Citizen. The spending surpasses contributions from other technology‑related sectors and represents a significant share of overall corporate political spending.

Scale of crypto political spending

Public Citizen reports that crypto firms contributed $206 million, compared with $76 million from online betting companies and $62 million from Big Tech, AI and data‑center businesses. Corporate contributions across all sectors have reached $646 million, already 40 % higher than the $461 million recorded for the entire 2024 presidential election cycle.

Fairshake super PAC as the primary vehicle

The Fairshake network remains the main conduit for crypto money. Between Jan. 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026 it reported $137.4 million in receipts and $88.7 million in disbursements, leaving nearly $113 million in cash on hand at the end of July. Fairshake’s affiliates have supported roughly 50 candidates who secured party nominations during the primary season and have earmarked at least $30 million to oppose former Sen. Sherrod Brown in the Ohio Senate race.

Spending across party lines

Fairshake’s affiliated groups have funded both Democratic and Republican contests. Protect Progress, a Democratic‑leaning arm, spent over $113,000 for Rep. Suzan DelBene, $105,000 for Rep. Kim Schrier, and $103,000 for Rep. Marilyn Strickland. Defend American Jobs, its Republican counterpart, contributed about $507,000 to Republican Amanda McKinney. Larger expenditures include $5 million supporting Democrat Christian Menefee in a Texas runoff and $2.8 million opposing Rep. Al Green.

Other crypto contributions outside Fairshake

Gemini Trust Company donated $10 million to MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with former President Donald Trump, via two Bitcoin transactions. Jump Crypto Holdings contributed $4 million to Jump PAC during the second quarter.

Outlook for the general election

Fairshake has reported $122 million available for spending before the November 3 general election, with the planned $30 million Ohio effort representing its largest single allocation in the 2026 cycle.