Khurram Dara, a seasoned policy lawyer with a background at Coinbase, has officially launched his campaign for New York State Attorney General. Drawing on his extensive experience in crypto regulation and policy, Dara aims to challenge incumbent Letitia James in the 2026 race, emphasizing his commitment to reforming the state’s approach to the industry.
In a statement on Friday, Dara highlighted his qualifications, noting his deep understanding of the regulatory landscape in the crypto and fintech sectors. The former Coinbase policy counsel, who previously worked with firms such as Fluidity and Airswap, indicated that his campaign is rooted in addressing what he perceives as unfair legal challenges against crypto companies by the current administration.
Since August, Dara had subtly signaled his intentions to run for office, criticizing James for purportedly engaging in “lawfare” targeting the crypto industry in New York. His move underscores a broader push within the industry to influence legal policies and protect digital assets from overly aggressive regulatory actions.
Until July, Dara served as the regulatory and policy lead at Bain Capital Crypto, managing digital asset policy for the investment firm. His previous roles at Coinbase and other crypto companies reinforce his credibility and deep involvement in the sector’s legal and regulatory issues.
Currently in office since 2019, Attorney General James has faced criticism from parts of the crypto community for her aggressive litigation tactics, including lawsuits against firms like Genesis, KuCoin, and NovaTech. The successor to James, should Dara win, would wield significant discretion in pursuing regulatory actions against industry players.
As Dara plans his run as a Republican, he echoes sentiments from recent elections, focusing on issues such as cost of living and affordability—topics resonant with New Yorkers’ concerns. Despite the political tilt, his campaign represents a strategic effort by some in the industry to influence New York’s crypto policy landscape.
Other Notable Crypto Advocates Running for Office
In a related move, John Deaton, a prominent XRP advocate and legal representative for XRP holders, announced his bid to unseat Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey in the 2026 race. Deaton previously ran unsuccessfully against Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2024, losing by approximately 700,000 votes.
Deaton’s candidacy signals ongoing efforts within the crypto community to expand political influence, particularly in states like Massachusetts, where Republican candidates face long odds in a predominantly Democratic landscape. Both Dara and Deaton face steep primary challenges but reflect a broader trend of crypto stakeholders seeking legislative and regulatory influence through electoral participation.