Crypto PAC Fairshake Reports $193M in Donations Ahead of 2026 Midterms

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TLDR

Crypto PAC Fairshake raised $193 million in donations ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections.
The PAC received significant contributions from Ripple Labs, a16z, and Coinbase.
Fairshake plans to use its funds to support pro-crypto candidates and oppose anti-crypto politicians.
The PAC has already spent over $130 million in media campaigns for the 2024 elections.
Fairshake is focusing on key races, including former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown’s 2026 Senate bid.

The cryptocurrency-backed political action committee (PAC), Fairshake, has raised $193 million in cash ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections. The funds come from major crypto industry players, including Ripple Labs, a16z, and Coinbase. This is a substantial increase from its previous filings, signaling its intent to expand its influence as the debate over digital asset regulation intensifies in Washington.

Fairshake Receives Major Donations from Crypto Industry Leaders

Fairshake reported that it received a $25 million donation from Ripple Labs, $24 million from a16z, and another $25 million from Coinbase. These donations played a key role in increasing the PAC’s cash holdings by 37% since July 2025. “The time is now to protect consumers, cultivate American innovation, and open up the financial system to more Americans,” said Fairshake spokesperson Josh Vlasto in a statement.

The PAC is focused on opposing politicians who are seen as anti-crypto and supporting those who are favorable to the cryptocurrency sector. With the upcoming elections, Fairshake is poised to escalate its efforts to influence elections and legislation that could impact the future of the crypto industry. The $193 million in its war chest positions it as one of the largest crypto-backed PACs in the political arena.

Crypto PAC Fairshake Plans Increased Spending in 2026

In 2025, Fairshake spent over $130 million on media buys to support pro-crypto candidates during the 2024 US federal elections. Vlasto mentioned that the PAC was committed to increasing its spending efforts as the 2026 midterms draw closer. The PAC has already allocated funds for media campaigns to influence special congressional races in Virginia and Florida.

As the midterms approach, Fairshake’s focus will likely shift to key races, including the Senate campaign of former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown. Brown, who lost his Senate seat in 2024, is seeking to retake it in 2026. Another race attracting attention is the Senate bid of John Deaton, a lawyer who often represents XRP holders. Deaton announced his intention to run for Senate in 2026 after his 2024 defeat.

Fairshake isn’t the only PAC with crypto industry backing. Several other PACs tied to major exchanges have also ramped up their political spending. Gemini and Crypto.com-backed entities reportedly contributed $21 million to a Super PAC supporting US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the Fellowship PAC, another crypto-focused committee, announced that it had $100 million in assets as of September 2025.