Crypto firms lead 2026 U.S. election donations with $189M: ‘Legalized bribery!’

Crypto has emerged as the top political spender and influencer in the U.S. 2026 midterms. 

According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data aggregated by Public Citizen, crypto lobbying in 2026 has surpassed 2024 expenditure. So far, the industry has poured $189M to decampaign anti-crypto candidates and support lawmakers aligned with the sector. 

This was nearly $20M more than the 2024 expenditure of $170M.

In terms of sector spending, crypto has donated three times more than the next segment, AI and big tech ($60M). Betting came in third in terms of top corporate donors trying to influence the outcome of the American vote.  

Overall, corporate political spending continues to rise, underscoring their significant influence in U.S elections outcome. 

According to FEC data, the total corporate spending has hit $517.5M, meaning crypto alone has contributed to 36.5% of the overall donations – that’s more than a third of corporate lobbying money in the 2026 midterms. 

a16z, Coinbase, and Ripple lead crypto donors

Unsurprisingly, most of the crypto donations have been directed to push corporate agendas or back Republicans. For the unfamiliar, most of the Republicans have been supportive of the industry, starting with President Donald Trump. 

At the firm level, venture firm a16z led the list of top donors, with a whopping $51.65M. Ripple Labs came in second with about $50M, while Crypto.com and Coinbase contributed  $38M and $35M each. 

Coinbase, unlike others, is actively backing Democrats who are pro-crypto. 

Fairshake PAC, one of the largest lobby groups for the sector, received most of the donations from Ripple Labs and Coinbase. In fact, the PAC has been active in Georgia, Alabama, Nebraska, Kentucky, and Texas to ensure only pro-crypto candidates win the midterms. 

According to Josh Vlasto, Fairshake’s spokesperson, “everything was on the table” to ensure they achieve their mission. 

For his part, Senator Bernie Sanders estimated crypto spending to be about $288M, calling it ‘legalized bribery.’

U.S. crypto: What’s at stake in 2026 elections

That said, the crypto lobbying efforts in 2024 are partly what propelled the Trump faction to win the elections. And the administration has partially delivered on its pledges. 

The anti-SEC regime led by Gary Gensler was replaced, and the GENIUS Act, clear rules for stablecoins, was passed. In fact, even crypto debanking was investigated, and broader integration with the banking sector was pushed. 

However, the most critical one, the CLARITY Act, has remained stuck amid a tight Senate calendar. 

In other words, the bill could extend to 2027, and the next Congress will determine if it becomes law. That’s why the industry is backing pro-crypto candidates to push the bill to the finish line and defend the gains from being reversed. 

Final Summary

• The crypto industry has led in corporate spending in the 2026 midterm elections with $189M 
• Ripple Labs and Coinbase have increased donations as the CLARITY Act passage in 2026 remains uncertain.