How the crypto industry became a big election spender
Oct 16, 2024
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Jessica Piper, a POLITICO reporter specializing in the crypto industry and its political influence, discusses how the crypto sector is making waves in this election cycle. The industry's significant financial contributions aim to reshape Congress, particularly in key Senate races. Jessica reveals that campaign ads focus on broader issues like the economy and immigration, cleverly avoiding the crypto topic. She highlights the industry's bipartisan spending strategy and the unusual tactics used to influence voter opinions beyond cryptocurrency itself.
The cryptocurrency industry is investing heavily in congressional races, primarily targeting candidates who support its regulatory interests while strategically avoiding direct references to crypto in advertising.
By focusing campaign messages on broader political issues like immigration and economic policies, the industry aims to appeal to swing voters and secure pro-crypto representation in Congress.
Deep dives
Crypto's Impact on Congressional Races
The cryptocurrency industry is significantly influencing congressional races, outspending other sectors during the current election cycle. With approximately $125 million invested, the industry strategically supports candidates aligned with its interests, particularly in competitive races. Notably, funds are directed toward advantageous campaigning, such as supporting members of Congress who previously backed cryptocurrency legislation while targeting those with opposing views. This investment reflects a calculated approach to secure pro-crypto representation in Congress, particularly in pivotal states like Ohio, Michigan, and Arizona.
Strategic Advertising Tactics
The cryptocurrency political action committees are employing strategic advertising strategies that largely avoid direct references to cryptocurrency itself, focusing instead on broader political issues. Advertisements are built around candidates' stances on topics like women's rights, immigration, and economic policies, aiming to resonate with local voter concerns. For instance, ads supporting Representative Michelle Steele highlight her commitment to women's rights, showcasing how these PACs tailor messages to align with each candidate’s image and the priorities of voters in different districts. This indirect approach appears to be a deliberate tactic to win over swing voters who may prioritize issues other than cryptocurrency.
Desired Outcomes from Increased Spending
As the cryptocurrency industry invests heavily in campaigns, it also seeks to establish favorable regulatory conditions once candidates are elected. The industry aims for a clear regulatory framework that supports financial innovation, ensuring that cryptocurrency remains accessible and thriving within the U.S. political landscape. A key focus is supporting legislation like the financial innovation and technology bill, which aims to govern the sector responsibly while promoting its growth. Through these financial contributions, the industry hopes to influence candidates to prioritize and advocate for regulations that align with their interests and goals.
The crypto industry is spending millions of dollars this election cycle in a bid to reshape Congress, including pivotal Senate races in Ohio, Michigan and Arizona. But ads the industry is funding focus on issues like the economy, immigration and reproductive freedom — with no mention of crypto. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Jessica Piper joins host Steven Overly to explain why this little industry is spending big, and the tactics it’s using to send more crypto-friendly candidates to Washington.