Crypto-backed PAC spends $189,000 to support Massachusetts candidate
A political action committee (PAC) funded by the crypto industry has spent $189,000 on media to support Representative Jake Auchincloss in Massachusetts’ 4th congressional district primary. The spending comes from Protect Progress PAC, an affiliate of Fairshake, a group that spent over $130 million on ads in the 2024 election cycle.
Opponent calls for rejection of crypto-backed support
Democratic candidate Jason Poulos criticized the spending, calling the materials “AI-generated slop mailers” and urging Auchincloss to publicly reject the PAC’s support. Poulos also noted that Auchincloss had received $77,500 from crypto industry sources since 2020 and voted for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in July 2025, a bill that has not yet become law.
Fairshake’s broader election influence
Fairshake and its affiliates have spent about $3.6 million on House and Senate races in Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming in August. The group reported having $122 million available for the 2026 midterm elections. A spokesperson said in August that Fairshake would continue its efforts, stating, “With dozens of wins in House and Senate races across the country, and $122 million ready for the fall, we’re not slowing down heading into November.”
Massachusetts is one of the last states to hold primaries before the general election in November. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Delaware are also scheduled to hold primaries in September.
What is confirmed
- Protect Progress PAC, a Fairshake affiliate, spent $189,000 on media to support Rep. Jake Auchincloss in Massachusetts’ 4th congressional district primary.
- Jason Poulos, a Democratic candidate, criticized the spending and called on Auchincloss to reject the support.
- Auchincloss received $77,500 from crypto industry sources since 2020 and voted for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in July 2025.
- Fairshake and its affiliates spent about $3.6 million on races in Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming in August and have $122 million available for the 2026 midterms.
