Crypto Advocates Mobilize for 2026 Midterms to Shape Pro-Innovation Congress

The cryptocurrency advocacy group Stand With Crypto, backed by Coinbase, has launched a campaign to assess federal and state candidates' positions on digital assets ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. The organization, which previously influenced the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race by mobilizing crypto supporters, is now deploying a detailed questionnaire to candidates to gauge their stances on topics ranging from crypto innovation and de-banking to consumer protections and mining regulations according to Stand With Crypto.

The initiative, announced in a Monday notice to Cointelegraph, marks a strategic push to ensure the next Congress prioritizes policies fostering economic growth and innovation in the digital asset sector. Stand With Crypto's community director, Mason Lynaugh, emphasized the stakes: "According to Lynaugh, "The next Congress will have a significant impact on whether or not the U.S. adopts the pro-crypto policies that will foster continued economic growth, innovation, and access," he said.

The organization's efforts come as all 435 U.S. House seats and 33 Senate seats will be contested in 2026, along with numerous state-level races. In 2024, Stand With Crypto reported that 274 candidates deemed "pro-crypto" based on public statements and voting records won their elections or re-elections. This year's focus on pre-election vetting aims to expand that influence, with results guiding the group's mobilization of voters through events and targeted outreach.

The timing of Stand With Crypto's campaign intersects with broader regulatory shifts. The SEC recently announced that cryptocurrencies would no longer be a top priority in its 2026 examination focus, shifting attention to information security and operational resilience. This move, part of a broader policy realignment under the current administration, could ease regulatory pressure on the crypto industry but also reflects a potential deprioritization of digital asset oversight.

Meanwhile, legislative progress on a comprehensive digital asset market structure bill has faced delays. Despite Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott's optimistic projection of passage by early 2026, a prolonged government shutdown and the Thanksgiving recess threaten to slow the timeline. The bill, if enacted, would establish a regulatory framework for crypto markets, a priority for advocates like Stand With Crypto.

Stand With Crypto's strategy mirrors broader political trends, as President Donald Trump has also intensified his involvement in 2026 midterm planning. Trump, though not on the ballot, is actively endorsing candidates and promoting economic messaging to maintain Republican control of Congress-a move analysts say is crucial for both his policy agenda and legal protections against potential impeachment. The overlap between crypto advocacy and traditional political strategies highlights the growing influence of digital asset interests in mainstream politics.

With the SEC's regulatory approach evolving and legislative momentum uncertain, Stand With Crypto's candidate vetting could play a pivotal role in shaping the 2026 political landscape. By aligning with candidates who prioritize pro-crypto policies, the group aims to secure a legislative environment conducive to innovation-a goal that may gain added urgency as the 2026 elections approach.