During a panel discussion at the Consensus Miami 2026 conference, Jesse Spiro, Tether.io’s Head of Government Affairs, emphasized that the 2026 U.S. midterm elections are pivotal for determining if Washington’s recent acceptance of digital assets will persist.
Spiro highlighted significant progress in the past year with initiatives like the GENIUS Act and advancements in market structure legislation. However, he cautioned that this momentum could be disrupted by the upcoming elections, potentially causing a “seismic impact” on the industry’s path forward. Despite these concerns, Spiro noted that crypto advocacy groups are gearing up for extensive political spending and grassroots organizing.
Stating that the crypto sector should remain nonpartisan, Spiro expressed hope for continued legislative support from members who back the industry and advocate for sound policy measures.
Colin McLaren, Solana Policy Institute’s Head of Government Relations, echoed these sentiments by asserting that the industry’s political influence is set to increase before November. He stressed the importance of “durability” in crypto politics, aiming to maintain Congressional support for priorities like tax reform and developer protections. He analogized recent campaign spending efforts as an initial payment on a house, emphasizing the need for sustained financial commitment following the substantial investments made during the 2024 election cycle.
Mason Lynaugh of Stand With Crypto, with nearly 3 million members, described elections as “an accountability moment,” indicating that crypto supporters are eager to back candidates who represent their interests. He noted that motivated crypto voters could be decisive in tight races, suggesting that even a small margin could tip the balance if turnout is maximized.
For more insights: Despite these efforts, a CoinDesk survey indicates that crypto remains low on U.S. voters’ priority lists ahead of upcoming elections.