The crypto political action committee Fairshake amassed $193 million by the end of last year, positioning itself to play a major role in congressional midterms as lawmakers negotiate a major cryptocurrency bill set to get its first vote this week. —
The total, shared with CNBC by Fairshake ahead of the Jan. 31 reporting deadline, includes funds raised for Fairshake, which gives to candidates of both parties, as well as its sister PACs — the Democrat-focused Protect Progress and Republican-focused Defend American Jobs.
The new total reflects two major donations made in the second half of 2025. Blockchain company Ripple gave $25 million, and Andreessen Horowitz’s a16z gave $24 million. Coinbase, the group’s other major donor, gave $25 million in the first half of last year, just before the PAC announced it had $141 million on hand.
“With the midterms approaching, we are united behind our mission with Fairshake continuing to oppose anti-crypto politicians and support pro-crypto leaders,” PAC spokesperson Josh Vlasto said.
The total is almost as much as Fairshake raised from contributions in the entire 2024 midterms cycle. The group spent roughly $195 million helping elect a slate of pro-crypto lawmakers, according to FEC data. That spending paid off last year when Congress passed rules-of-the-road legislation for stablecoins.
Senators this week are negotiating a bill setting regulations for all digital assets.
Part of the bill will get its first vote Thursday in the Senate Agriculture Committee. But the other part, overseen by the Senate Banking Committee, was delayed after senators canceled a planned vote over continuing disputes over the bill.
