Crypto-Super PAC With $140M War Chest Targets Sherrod Brown’s 2026 Senate Bid

A well-funded political action committee (PAC) backed by major players in the cryptocurrency industry has drawn attention to the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Ohio, with a focus on challenging Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. Fairshake, the PAC in question, has amassed over $140 million in funding, signaling a renewed push to remove Brown, a long-time critic of the crypto sector [1]. The group, supported by companies such as Coinbase, Ripple, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, previously spent more than $40 million in the 2024 election to unseat Brown, which culminated in the election of Republican candidate Bernie Moreno, a pro-crypto businessman [1].

Brown’s opposition to pro-crypto legislation, especially during his tenure as chair of the Senate Banking Committee from 2021 to 2025, positioned him as a key target for crypto interests. His concerns over money laundering and illicit financial activity created friction with crypto advocates and aligned him with a more cautious stance toward digital assets [1]. This stance contrasted with the broader Democratic Party, where some members have shown increasing support for crypto-related policies, a divide the PAC leveraged in 2024 [1].

For the upcoming 2026 race, Brown is likely to face Republican Jon Husted, who has a record that aligns with pro-crypto positions. Husted, appointed to the Senate after JD Vance became vice president, is viewed as a crypto-friendly alternative to Brown. While Husted has been less vocal on specific crypto issues, his past actions and recent votes support industry interests [1].

Fairshake’s spokesperson, Josh Vlasto, stated that the PAC remains committed to supporting pro-crypto candidates and opposing those who resist crypto-friendly legislation, both in Ohio and across the nation [1]. The organization, created in 2023, emphasizes the importance of positioning the U.S. as a leader in the development of the next generation of internet technologies, including blockchain [1]. Major donors include Ripple Labs, which has contributed $45 million, and other crypto firms and venture capital groups.

Brown, who lost the 2024 election by over three percentage points, remains a key figure for Democrats hoping to regain the Ohio seat. Despite his defeat, he outperformed Vice President Kamala Harris in the state by more than seven points, suggesting a potential path to victory in 2026 [1]. However, political challenges remain. If Brown loses again, Senate rules would strip him of his prior leadership roles on the Banking Committee, potentially limiting his influence unless party rules are changed.

Fairshake’s aggressive campaign strategy aims to continue reshaping the political landscape for crypto interests. With a significant financial advantage and a growing political base within the industry, the PAC is positioning itself as a formidable force in the 2026 election cycle [1].

Source: [1] Cryptonews (https://cryptonews.com/news/crypto-super-pac-with-140m-war-chest-threatens-sherrod-browns-2026-senate-bid/)