Crypto election PAC Fairshake marks first wins in 2026 U.S. congressional primaries

The Fairshake political action committee (PAC), a significant financial backer for the crypto industry, has achieved early successes in the 2026 U.S. congressional midterm primaries. The PAC supported several candidates and also worked to unseat a prominent congressman.

Key Primary Victories

Jessica Steinmann, a former Department of Justice lawyer endorsed by Donald Trump, secured a decisive victory in the Republican primary for Texas' 8th District, winning nearly 70% of the vote. Fairshake was a major supporter of her campaign, contributing over $750,000. Her platform emphasizes support for digital assets, blockchain technology, and financial innovation. Fairshake stated that voters responded positively to her commitment to economic growth through innovation and job creation via emerging technologies like crypto.

In Texas' 10th District, Republican Chris Gober, a lawyer focused on political litigation, won his primary with over 50% of the vote. Fairshake also backed Trever Nehls in the 22nd District, an Army veteran and Trump loyalist, who secured 76% of the vote. Both districts are Republican-dominated, suggesting a strong chance for Fairshake's supported candidates in the general election.

Arkansas Republican Representative French Hill, who chairs the House Financial Services Committee, also won his primary with 77% of the vote, having received over $400,000 in support from Fairshake. In North Carolina, freshman Republican Representative Tim Moore won his primary with 83% of the vote, supported by over $80,000 from Fairshake. Moore has received an "A" rating from Stand With Crypto for his voting record on crypto issues.

Challenges and Runoffs

Fairshake's effort to unseat longtime Texas Democrat Al Green, a vocal opponent of the crypto sector, is headed to a runoff. Green, who received an "F" grade from advocacy group Stand With Crypto, trailed his Democratic opponent, Christian Menefee, after Fairshake spent $1.5 million on ads opposing Green. Neither candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in the newly redrawn district.

Fairshake's Strategy and Impact

Fairshake, along with its affiliates, began the campaign season with $193 million. It is a dominant force in campaign contributions for the crypto sector and ranks among the largest PACs nationally. The PAC's advertising strategy focuses on political arguments for or against candidates, without mentioning digital assets, and operates without direct coordination with campaigns. In the 2024 elections, Fairshake supported 53 current members of Congress.