Crypto Voters Poised to Swing New Jersey Gubernatorial Race
1min read In the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial race in New Jersey, the influence of crypto voters could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. The digital asset advocacy organization Stand With Crypto has released data indicating that the crypto policy positions of candidates could be a decisive factor. According to their findings, approximately 62,000 people have registered with the organization in New Jersey, suggesting that crypto-minded voters could significantly impact the state’s election. In the last gubernatorial race in 2021, Democrat Phil Murphy defeated challenger Jack Ciattarelli by roughly 84,000 votes, with more than 40% of registered voters turning out.
Stand With Crypto conducted a February poll among 400 of its members in New Jersey, revealing that 63% were more likely to vote for a pro-crypto candidate. Additionally, 17% of respondents stated they would not vote for a gubernatorial candidate opposed to crypto policies. John Anzalone, a partner at Impact Research, which conducted the poll, noted that "Crypto played a major role in the 2024 general election, and with nearly two-thirds of crypto-aligned voters indicating a preference for pro-crypto candidates, it’s primed to be a key factor in 2025 races as well."
During the 2024 election cycle, the political action committee (PAC) Fairshake, funded mainly by Ripple and coinbase, spent roughly $131 million to support candidates in primaries and the general election, many of whom went on to win their seats. The PAC has continued to raise funds for the 2026 midterms, indicating its intention to continue influencing US elections with crypto money. A Fairshake affiliate, Defend American Jobs, has already spent more than $700,000 to support two Republican candidates running for Florida House of Representatives seats in 2025 special elections.
In New Jersey, Governor Murphy is not eligible to run again, having served two consecutive terms. June primaries will determine the candidates for the general election, which could include Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer and Ciattarelli, a Republican. With roughly eight months until the 2025 election, it’s unclear who in either party could emerge as the frontrunner. Stand With Crypto noted that "Despite their Republican-leaning dna, almost half of 