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Texas: The New Battleground for Crypto’s Political Power Play

A Surge of Crypto Cash Reshaping Local Races

Texas has emerged as the epicenter of cryptocurrency’s growing influence in U.S. elections, with industry-backed groups pouring record-shattering sums into local and congressional contests. In 2024, crypto super PACs backed 53 of 58 winning congressional candidates nationwide—four from Texas alone. Now, as the 2026 election cycle heats up, these groups are outspending their 2024 totals before the first primary even arrives.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

• Fairshake, a crypto heavyweight with $193 million in reserves, has deployed over $2.5 million in Texas this year alone through two major PACs.
• Nationwide, crypto-aligned groups have already spent $28 million—a 27% increase from the same point in 2024.
• The industry’s spending spree shows no signs of slowing, as lawmakers eye new regulations that could curb its growth.

Why the Rush? The GENIUS Act and the Shadow of the Clarity Act

Recent federal crypto laws, like the GENIUS Act, passed with bipartisan support, might suggest the industry is gaining ground—but crypto PACs aren’t taking any chances. Critics warn of looming bills, such as the Clarity Act, which could impose stricter regulations. The strategy? Back candidates who’ll listen.

A High-Stakes Showdown: Menefee vs. Green

In a Texas primary that could set the tone for the industry’s future, Rep. Christian Menefee (37) faces off against Rep. Al Green (78)—a battle of ideology, age, and financial firepower.

• Menefee has raked in $1.5 million from crypto groups, positioning himself as a progressive advocate for digital assets.
• He argues that 70 million Americans—many young and diverse—already use crypto.
• His campaign earned an "A" rating from Stand with Crypto.

• His opponent’s response? A dismissive: "When you get an ‘F,’ they’ll do whatever they can to block you."

• Green, a 78-year-old veteran lawmaker and longtime crypto critic, has called digital assets a threat to financial stability and slammed their environmental impact.
• He opposes bills like the GENIUS Act, which Menefee supports.
• Despite his committee role on the House Financial Services Committee, he hasn’t directly addressed Menefee’s latest gambit.

The Generational Divide

Menefee isn’t shy about calling out older lawmakers for ignoring crypto’s rise. On the Republican side, groups like Defend American Jobs are spending big to back candidates like:

• Jessica Steinmann, a former aide to Sen. Ted Cruz.
• Chris Gober, a tech-friendly attorney positioning Texas as an innovation hub—without explicitly tying himself to crypto.

Experts Warn: Crypto’s Influence Is Only Growing

Groups like Issue One highlight how crypto has rapidly shifted from a niche interest to a political heavyweight, with outsized influence over lawmakers. As Adam Green of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee bluntly puts it:

"Crypto PACs dominated last cycle, and they seem set to do it again."

The message is clear: The crypto wars have arrived in Texas—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.