Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z, has recently donated $23 million to the pro-crypto super PAC Fairshake for the 2026 midterm election cycle. This generous contribution comes as politically-minded crypto companies gear up for the upcoming elections, despite the fact that the 2024 U.S. presidential election is still ongoing.
In a blog post by Chris Dixon, a partner at a16z and the founder of its crypto division, he expressed the firm’s commitment to supporting policymakers, regardless of party affiliation, who will work towards establishing a regulatory framework that fosters industry growth while protecting consumers.
With this latest donation, Fairshake and its affiliated PACs, including the Democrat-oriented Protect Progress and the Republican-oriented Defend American Jobs, now have a substantial $78 million in funding for the 2026 elections. This significant amount is made possible not only by a16z’s contribution but also by the recent $25 million commitment from crypto exchange Coinbase.
It’s worth noting that both Coinbase and a16z are repeat donors to Fairshake, with Coinbase being the single largest contributor. Ripple, another major crypto firm, has also donated $50 million to Fairshake in the past. While there is no current news on Ripple’s plans for the 2026 elections, the company has expressed its intention to remain active in Washington, D.C., for the foreseeable future.
Other crypto companies such as Jump Crypto, Circle, and Kraken have also contributed to Fairshake and its affiliates, demonstrating the industry’s growing involvement in shaping political landscapes.
In conclusion, the significant contributions from crypto companies like a16z, Coinbase, and Ripple highlight the industry’s commitment to shaping policy and regulation in Washington, D.C. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, it will be interesting to see how these donations influence the political landscape and regulatory framework surrounding cryptocurrencies.