Kraken Commits $2 Million to Pro-Crypto PACs Ahead of 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

Kraken, one of the leading U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchanges, is intensifying its political involvement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections by pledging $2 million to two pro-crypto Political Action Committees (PACs). The funds will be evenly distributed between the Freedom Fund PAC and the America First Digital PAC, both of which are known for advancing crypto-friendly policies and supporting candidates dedicated to the growth of the digital asset industry.

This move aligns with Kraken’s broader strategy to influence the regulatory landscape around cryptocurrency. According to a September 25 report from CryptoNewsLand, Kraken’s latest contributions are part of an ongoing initiative by its parent company, Payward, which previously donated $750,000 to the FairShake PAC in January 2024. These efforts highlight the growing determination within the cryptocurrency sector to strengthen its political presence in Washington D.C.

⚡️ LATEST: KRAKEN DONATES $2M TO PRO-CRYPTO GROUPS FREEDOM FUND PAC AND AMERICA FIRST DIGITAL. pic.twitter.com/SCkzWupad8
— Coinwaft (@coinwaft) September 24, 2025

Supporting Regulatory Clarity and Digital Asset Rights

The commitment to funding pro-crypto PACs underscores Kraken's push for clearer digital asset legislation and an innovation-friendly regulatory framework. The exchange has been vocal in its advocacy for safeguarding essential rights, such as the self-custody of digital assets, privacy protections, and access to decentralized financial systems. This latest contribution is aimed at fortifying organizations that are working toward achieving these goals.

Kraken executives have repeatedly expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding U.S. cryptocurrency regulations and the potential limitations on privacy-focused technologies. To address these challenges, Kraken has concentrated its political donations on facilitating policy development rather than promoting partisan agendas. While both recipient PACs are tied to the Republican Party and pro-Trump initiatives, Kraken has positioned itself as prioritizing the industry’s advancement over political alignment.

Pro-Crypto PACs: Expanding Influence in U.S. Elections

The influence of PACs aligned with the cryptocurrency industry has grown significantly in recent election cycles. During the 2024 elections, the FairShake PAC spent over $130 million to support approximately 300 candidates who championed crypto-friendly policies, resulting in the emergence of what some have labeled the most crypto-friendly Congress in U.S. history.

These contributions proved especially impactful in battleground states such as Ohio, Arizona, and California. For example, in Ohio, Republican Bernie Moreno secured a Senate seat with strong backing from the cryptocurrency sector. FairShake PAC currently holds $78 million in reserve to deploy in upcoming elections, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to shaping the political landscape for digital assets.

Another major player is the Fellowship PAC, which has accumulated $100 million to support candidates focused on innovation and technology. This PAC counts industry leaders such as Coinbase, Ripple Labs, and Andreessen Horowitz among its key contributors, further solidifying the cryptocurrency industry's unified approach to political engagement.

Legislative Advances and Industry Advocacy

Bipartisan collaboration in Congress has led to the introduction of landmark bills aimed at clarifying the regulatory framework for digital assets. Legislation such as the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act seeks to define the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in overseeing the cryptocurrency market. A comprehensive market structure bill is expected to be finalized by the Senate before the end of 2025, marking a pivotal step forward for the industry.

Despite these advancements, enforcement actions by government agencies continue to create uncertainty within the sector. Such developments have compelled companies like Kraken to adopt a more direct approach to influencing policymaking. Industry observers note that the cryptocurrency sector’s political organization in Washington has become increasingly sophisticated, signaling a stronger, more unified effort to advocate for the future of digital assets in the U.S.

Kraken’s latest donation to Freedom Fund PAC and America First Digital PAC reinforces its commitment to fostering regulatory clarity and supporting innovation-friendly candidates. As the midterm elections approach, the cryptocurrency industry’s growing political presence is poised to significantly shape the next chapter of digital asset policymaking in the United States.