Crypto PACs Spend ₱591.83 million ($9.9 million) Against Illinois Senate Candidate
In Illinois's Democratic Senate primary on March 18, crypto-backed super PACs deployed ₱591.83 million ($9.9 million) against Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. The race tests whether the industry can replicate its 36 primary victories from 2024, as crypto groups have already spent ₱16.2 billion ($271 million) this cycle.
Key Takeaway
Crypto's 36-win streak in 2024 faces its first 2026 test in Illinois tomorrow.
Crypto-backed super PACs spent ₱591.83 million ($9.9 million) attacking Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton in the March 18 Democratic Senate primary.
The race marks the first major test of crypto lobby power in 2026. Industry groups have already spent ₱16.2 billion ($271 million) to influence votes this cycle, building on a 2024 campaign where they backed 42 primary candidates and won 36 races. Stratton's opponent, U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, raised over $30 million and received backing from Stand With Crypto, which described him as someone who "strongly supports crypto."
Stratton fought back with a 36-second video calling out the "MAGA-backed crypto PAC" spending against her. She raised $4 million directly and received $9 million in outside support, including $5 million from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Senator Elizabeth Warren rallied in Chicago Friday night, calling the race "the test case for whether or not they can buy whatever candidate they want for Senate in Illinois."
Krishnamoorthi voted for the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts and told Stand With Crypto that "the government must ensure America remains the world's hub for blockchain." He dismissed concerns about industry influence in an interview with the Washington Post, saying "I don't need to be concerned about any one person or one group of people."
Fairshake, the leading crypto super PAC, entered 2026 with $64 million left over from 2024 and raised another $129 million in new funds. Coinbase contributed $56 million, Ripple added $48 million, and Andreessen Horowitz put up $24 million. Congresswoman Robin Kelly trails in polls heading into the March 18 vote.
This article was written based on reporting from Dlnews.
