As the November midterm elections loom, Coinbase’s advocacy group, Stand With Crypto, has unveiled its support for bipartisan candidates in both Senate and House races. This marks the first instance of the group taking a definitive stance in Senate contests.
First Senate Endorsements Announced
Stand With Crypto has extended support to candidates in three Senate races. In Ohio, the group backs Republican State Senator Jon Husted, who is challenging Sherrod Brown, the former Senate Banking Committee chairman known for his skeptical stance on cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the group is supporting Republican House Representative Ashley Hinson in Iowa and Democratic House Representative Chris Pappas in New Hampshire, who faces former Republican Senator John Sununu. The organization asserts that its endorsements are determined not by party affiliation but by candidates’ policies on cryptocurrency.
Stand With Crypto emphasizes that its candidate endorsements are based on their stance on cryptocurrency policy, not party lines.
Pressure Intensifies Following Clarity Act Vote
This move comes hot on the heels of last month’s Senate failure to advance the Clarity Act by a narrow 49-50 vote. The rejection was driven primarily by Democratic senators concerned about former President Donald Trump’s crypto connections. Stand With Crypto sees this result as a pivotal political moment.
The group previously announced that the voting record against the bill would be included in a public scorecard. Mason Lynaugh, the organization’s executive director, stated that over three million supporters are now concentrating on electing pro-crypto candidates. Stand With Crypto distinguishes itself as an entity that grades candidates and mobilizes voters.
Mason Lynaugh highlighted that over three million supporters are now focused on the election of pro-crypto candidates.
Political Spending Accelerates
Stand With Crypto refrains from making direct campaign contributions but prioritizes voter engagement and ranks candidates through its Voter Hub system. Named candidates with high ratings frequently receive financial backing from political action committees aligned with industry interests.
In this context, the Fairshake super PAC recently launched a $30 million campaign against Sherrod Brown. Political spending linked to the cryptocurrency sector is nearing $200 million for the 2026 election cycle.
Ohio Race Gains Spotlight
The support decision in Ohio underscores the critical nature of this race for the industry. Should Sherrod Brown return to the Senate, voices critical of cryptocurrencies might retain their influential role within the Senate Banking Committee. As a result, Ohio is seen as a key state where the industry’s electoral power can be effectively tested at the polls.
Stand With Crypto’s latest move indicates a shift of the advocacy battle from legislative halls to election campaigns amid Congressional stalemates. The group had already supported 32 representatives in the House earlier this year and is now increasing advertising activities in six different house races.
