The 2026 U.S. midterm elections are poised to significantly impact digital asset policy, with advocacy group Stand With Crypto launching a targeted political strategy. The group, initially established by Coinbase and representing retail investors, announced endorsements in six key "battleground" congressional races on Thursday.
The endorsed incumbents include Republican Zach Nunn in Iowa and Democrat Don Davis in North Carolina, both recognized for their supportive stances on the crypto industry. The organization also plans to oppose politicians with records against crypto interests in two other districts and will name more races throughout the year. Its strategy involves mobilizing its membership to vote and funding media campaigns.
In preparation, Stand With Crypto commissioned a poll conducted by Impact Research last month. The results, released Thursday, reveal that neither major political party holds a decisive majority as the preferred advocate for the crypto industry among crypto-owning voters in battleground states. While Republicans are favored 45% to 26% over Democrats, a significant portion remains uncommitted. The poll, with a 4.4% margin of error, also found that 64% of crypto holders are enthusiastic about supporting pro-crypto candidates, indicating a highly motivated voter bloc.
The electoral outcome carries high stakes for the industry. Even if the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act passes before the November elections, other critical legislative items remain, including tailoring the U.S. tax system for crypto and establishing a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve as ordered by President Donald Trump. Prediction market firm Kalshi currently gives Democrats an over 84% chance of taking the House majority, with Senate control considered closer to a coin flip. A potential shift in congressional control could deprioritize crypto legislation, which has been a higher priority for the current Republican-led chambers.
Additional House lawmakers endorsed by Stand With Crypto are: Representative Susie Lee (D-Nev.), Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Representative Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), and Representative Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.).
