In a groundbreaking alliance, prominent figures in the industry have united to support pro-crypto presidential candidates in the 2024 elections. These include the likes of Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, the Winklevoss twins, and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.
This move reflects the industry’s intensified efforts to shape policy in its favor amidst growing regulatory challenges.
Industry Giants Unite to Support Pro-Crypto Presidential Candidates
Brad Garlinghouse recently announced Ripple’s commitment to endorse candidates who favor American crypto and blockchain innovation. Ripple and other industry leaders have pledged $78 million to the Fairshake political action committee (PAC). Therefore, signaling a significant shift in the digital asset industry’s political engagement.
This coalition includes influential entities such as Circle, Coinbase, Kraken, Messari, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z).
“Team Ripple is putting a stake in the ground, leading the charge with other industry leaders to support pro-innovation and pro-crypto candidates in the 2024 US election cycle… We need to advance leaders who will champion innovation and spearhead paths towards responsible regulation. 2024 is the time to go back to first principles by encouraging initiatives to promote transparency, innovation and a compliance-first approach,” Garlinghouse said.
The industry’s push for more crypto-friendly policies comes at a critical juncture. Indeed, industry players have expressed concerns over the US losing its competitive edge as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a stringent approach towards cryptocurrency firms.
The SEC’s recent legal actions against Coinbase and Binance.US highlighted the need for clear and responsible regulation. Amidst this backdrop, the Fairshake PAC emerges as a potent force.
The PAC has already spent over $1.2 million on television advertising to elect leaders who foster a balanced regulatory environment. They want politicians who encourage innovation while ensuring consumer protection. This initiative is crucial for the industry as it navigates a challenging regulatory environment.
“This is demonstrating a very serious commitment from the crypto industry to engage in the 2024 elections… The need to ensure that a crypto super PAC is well-funded, has good management, is getting engaged in the right place at the right time has never been more important. Fairshake is going to be an incredibly important part of the political muscle here,” Kara Calvert, Head of US Policy at Coinbase, said.
Moreover, Chris Dixon, who leads a16z’s crypto fund, echoed similar sentiments. He stressed the need to counterbalance the influence of traditional financial institutions and big tech companies. Dixon’s vision for the PAC includes supporting candidates who understand the potential of blockchain technology and are committed to crafting policies that will unleash its full potential.
This united front of crypto heavyweights marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s political involvement. With substantial financial backing and a clear strategic focus, the coalition aims to shape a political environment conducive to crypto and blockchain technology’s advancement.
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