Ripple Invests $25 Million to Shape Pro-Crypto Policies in U.S. Elections

Ripple, a key figure in the blockchain payment sector, is drawing attention with a bold financial commitment aimed at influencing U.S. elections. On November 26, CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced via a post on X that the company will invest $25 million in Fairshake, a political action committee (PAC) that champions pro-crypto candidates in the upcoming elections.

Impact of Ripple’s Investment

This $25 million contribution builds on Ripple’s previous donation of $45 million, which positions the company among Fairshake’s largest backers. Other notable supporters include Coinbase, Jump Crypto, and Andreessen Horowitz. According to a spokesperson from Fairshake, the PAC has approximately $103 million earmarked for the upcoming 2026 election cycle. Fairshake has rapidly established itself as a powerful financial player during the 2024 primaries and general elections, particularly backing candidates who are supportive of cryptocurrency policies. The PAC aims to support candidates from all political backgrounds. However, the recent elections saw Republicans securing a significant victory, regaining control over the presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives – a power configuration not witnessed since 2017.

Uncertain Future for Cryptocurrency Regulation

What this Republican control means for cryptocurrency regulation remains somewhat unclear. Analysts speculate that the new Congress might prioritize key legislative measures, including the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act and potential regulations surrounding stablecoins. Fairshake’s role in the 2025 and 2026 elections will likely depend on how the newly elected officials approach cryptocurrency governance. The PAC has openly declared its intent to funnel considerable resources into the Ohio Senate race in 2024, particularly targeting Sherrod Brown, the current senator and a known critic of cryptocurrency who chairs the Senate Banking Committee.

Divergent Political Donations

While Garlinghouse hasn’t explicitly backed Donald Trump’s campaign or associated PACs, he has voiced optimism that a Republican victory could rejuvenate the crypto landscape in the U.S. In contrast, Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder and executive chairman, opted to donate $12 million to PACs that support Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. The next midterm elections are set for November 3, 2026, during which all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 Senate seats will be contested. The outcome of these elections could significantly reshape the dynamics of cryptocurrency legislation in the years to come. “`html

Source: Cointelegraph.com

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