Crypto super PAC Fairshake has $116 million on hand to grow industry’s influence in 2026 election
Fairshake, the super PAC bankrolled by crypto’s biggest players, announced Thursday it has $116 million in cash on hand, a war chest aimed at the 2026 midterm election cycle.
The fundraising total, which includes $11 million in new contributions, cements Fairshake as one of the most influential political forces in the country.
“With the midterms on the horizon, we are poised to continue backing candidates committed to advancing innovation, growing jobs, and enacting thoughtful, responsible regulation,” Fairshake said in a statement.
Major backers like Coinbase, a16z, Jump Crypto, Uniswap Labs, and Ripple Labs have doubled down on their commitment to electing pro-crypto candidates and opposing those seen as hostile to the industry. Robert Leshner of Superstate has also donated, according to the PAC.
Crypto, once dismissed as a speculative frenzy, now holds real power in President Donald Trump’s Washington. Industry-backed officials are securing spots in the president’s cabinet and across federal agencies. Lawmakers aligned with digital assets are launching probes into regulators accused of stifling innovation.
With Trump’s return to the White House and a Republican-controlled Congress, the industry is moving beyond just playing defense. Crypto-friendly policymakers are setting the agenda — working to reverse SEC enforcement actions, roll back anti-crypto banking restrictions, and push through market structure legislation for digital assets.
Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto exchange, was sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission over claims that it engaged in unregistered sales of securities. It’s among Fairshake’s top contributors, giving more than $75 million to Fairshake and its affiliated PACs in 2024 and committing another $25 million to the 2026 midterms.
Fairshake’s largest donors also include Silicon Valley venture fund Andreessen Horowitz, which had previously pledged another $23 million to the PAC in the midterms. The fund has contributed $70 million across multiple cycles. Ripple Labs, still battling the SEC in court, is another major political donor this cycle that has given around $50 million to Fairshake. A spokesperson said the company committed $25 million both this year and last year and intends to remain a strong force in D.C. for years to come.
The impact of this money extends beyond elections. With billions in market cap and tens of millions in lobbying power, the crypto industry has positioned itself alongside Wall Street, Big Tech, and the defense sector as one of the most formidable forces in Washington. The strategy is clear: Secure allies, neutralize threats, and lock in legislative wins that will define the industry’s future.
The 2024 election
For crypto executives, investors, and evangelists, the 2024 election wasn’t just about influence — it was existential. After four years of fighting to establish legitimacy while fending off regulatory crackdowns, the industry saw it as a chance to flip the script.
Crypto-related PACs and affiliated groups pulled in over $245 million for the 2024 election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission data. Nearly half of all corporate dollars that flowed into the election came from the crypto industry, per nonprofit watchdog Public Citizen.
Stand With Crypto Alliance — the advocacy group launched by Coinbase last year — developed a grading system for House and Senate races, helping direct funds to the most pivotal battlegrounds.
They succeeded. According to Stand With Crypto, nearly 300 pro-crypto lawmakers comprise the House and Senate this session, giving the industry unprecedented sway over the legislative agenda.
The playbook for the push was simple: Raise massive sums from a handful of donors, flood battleground states with ads, and either boost pro-crypto candidates or bury their opponents. The campaign framed races in stark terms. Candidates were either with the industry or against it.
Crypto companies and executives moved fast, leveraging a sophisticated nationwide ad machine to deploy their cash with precision. They also took lessons from Big Tech’s missteps. Instead of spending hundreds of millions on lobbying after the election, the crypto industry invested heavily beforehand, ensuring that its biggest threats never made it to office in the first place.
We’ve got huge news in the 4X4 Ford world with the launch of the first-ever all electric Ford Bronco. Plus, we’ve got a new long-wheelbase Model Y from Tesla and a full-scale d*ck-measuring contest in the world of full self driving. All this and more on today’s episode of Quick Charge!
We’ve also got a $300 million investment from Uber into Tesla Robotaxi rivals Lucid and Nuro and a suitably rapid successor to Lancia’s legendary HF nameplate – that could be an ideal new-age Neon, if Stellantis grows the stones to bring it Stateside.
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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Some of the best financing deals on EVs are offering 0% APR for up to 72 months, and if you combine that with an electric car eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, you get a pretty solid deal if you’re looking to buy.
However, the EV federal tax credit dies a premature, unnecessary death on September 30, 2025, thanks to the Republican-controlled Congress, so check out the best EV financing deals below that our friends at CarsDirect have surfaced.
2024 Acura ZDX – 0% APR For 72 Months + up to $10,000 cash
It’s not every day you can pair 0% APR for six years with up to $10,000 in savings, but that’s what’s on the table for the 2024 Acura ZDX through September 2.
For the A-Spec trim with all-wheel drive, buyers get $6,000 off the MSRP. Go with rear-wheel drive, and that drops to $3,500. The Type S also gets a $2,500 cut.
If you own an Acura or a competing brand, there’s an extra $4,000 loyalty or conquest cash offer in the mix.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Acura ZDX in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Toyota bZ4X – 0% APR For 72 Months + $2,500 cash
In many regions, Toyota is offering 0% APR plus $2,500 in bonus cash on the 2025 bZ4X when you finance through Toyota Financial Services. That $2,500 is basically a rebate tied to Toyota’s promotional interest rate.
This offer wraps up August 4, so if the bZ4X is on your list, now’s a good time to make a move.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Toyota bZ4X in stock. – trusted affiliate link
The 2025 Subaru Solterra is sticking with its usual deep-discount playbook of 0% APR for 72 months through July 31. But there’s a lesser-known perk worth flagging.
According to a national dealer incentive bulletin, Subaru is also kicking in $2,500 in dealer cash. You can stack it with the 0% financing deal, but don’t expect it to be plastered all over ads – it’s a behind-the-scenes offer, so shopping around could pay off.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Subaru Solterra in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Honda Prologue – 0% APR + $11,500 cash
Through September 2, Honda’s got one of the most generous EV deals around on the 2025 Prologue: 0% APR plus up to $11,500 in bonus cash.
Here’s how it breaks down if you finance through Honda Financial Services: $5,500 in cash off the top, a $3,500 loyalty or conquest bonus if you already drive a Honda (or are switching from a competitor), and another $2,500 on top of that. It’s all stackable. Plus, the 2024 Honda Prologue is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit on purchases.
The catch? You need to live in California or another ZEV state to get the full package. But even outside those areas, Honda’s still offering solid cash incentives that make the Prologue well worth a look.
Click here to find a local dealer with the Honda Prologue in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E – 0% APR + $0 Down + 0 payments for 90 days
Ford’s rolling out a “zero-zero-zero” deal on the 2025 Mustang Mach-E: You get 0% APR for 60 months, $0 down, and no payments for the first 90 days.
To sweeten the deal, Ford is throwing in a free home charger plus free installation. If you’re already set up with home charging or just not interested, you can opt for an extra $500 bonus instead.
For a popular EV like the Mach-E, this is one of Ford’s most aggressive financing offers in a while, especially with that no-payment cushion built in.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford Mustang Mach-E in stock. – trusted affiliate link
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Subaru today launched its compact AWD SUV at an event in New York City. With 300 miles of range, NACS charge port, a speedy 0-60 time of under 5 seconds, you could say that this is Subaru’s first modern EV, no offense to the rebadged Toyota BZ/Solterra…
The exterior looks a bit like a $100K Lotus Eletre with an off road flair. Uncharted will compete with Volvo’s EX30 Rivian’s R2S and other AWD EVs that might not be as rugged like the VW ID.4, Hyundai Kona and even the Chevy Equinox. Subaru’s lighting signature, shared with the 2026 Solterra and Trailseeker, along with its aggressive, rugged off-road styling will set it apart from the crowd.
It features new 18- or 20-inch wheel designs, as well as a high-contrast, available two-tone roof on Uncharted GT for enhanced curb appeal. At the rear, the sleek combination lamps, black badging, high beltline, and seamless rear design, complemented by a silver-painted lower rear fascia, add to the visual presence of the Uncharted. Low-profile roof rails on all-wheel-drive models add more options for carrying gear.
A NACS charge port with speeds up to 150 kW ensures convenient and fast charging options at more than 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide. Even in cold weather conditions, the Uncharted can recharge its battery from 10% to 80% in nearly 30 minutes thanks to an onboard battery preconditioning system. At home, you can charge up to 11KW level 2 charging.
The interior is modern Subaru with rugged textile around a big 14-inch CarPlay/Android Auto screen experience (pictured below). There are 2 wireless phone chargers up front and 2 USB-C chargers in the rear.
All trim levels of the Subaru Uncharted are equipped with an All-Weather Package, including heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer; power rear gate; interior ambient lighting; and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. The Uncharted Sport adds X-MODE® Dual-Mode with Grip Control, heated steering wheel, StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, panoramic view monitor, and more. Uncharted GT will include a panoramic moonroof with motorized shade, 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon® premium audio system, smart rearview mirror, and more.
The Uncharted battery is just under 75kWh, around the same size as a long range Tesla Model Y and it will get close to 300 miles in its FWD model (boo). Uncharted Sport and GT models are equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE, an anticipated range of up to 290 miles, and 338 horsepower which will appeal to more Subaru customers.
Full gallery below:
Electrek’s take
While Subaru maintains its close relationship with Toyota in EVs, and this is a C-HR rebadge, the Uncharted breaks some new ground. I love the NACS port, I love the range and the acceleration. Subaru’s fans might finally have an EV they can upgrade their ICE vehicle for.
That’s one thing that might be concerning for Subaru in the EV age: In ICE vehicles, Subaru makes one of the best, complicated AWD systems. However with EVs, AWD is almost table stakes at this point. Subaru will have to continue to innovate in the off road capable small SUV segment if it hopes to compete with all of the EV encombants. At this point, Subaru is a suspension and branding mod for Toyota.
The Uncharted certainly seems to be a good start.
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