Crypto PAC Fairshake commits $30 million against Sherrod Brown in Ohio Senate race
Crypto PAC pours $30 million into Ohio race against Sherrod Brown
The crypto-focused political action committee Fairshake has committed $30 million to oppose former Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio's upcoming Senate race, according to a report from The New York Times on Monday. The move comes just days after the Senate failed to pass the Clarity Act, a sweeping digital asset bill that would have set a federal regulatory framework for the crypto industry.
A Fairshake spokesperson confirmed the $30 million figure in an email to The Block and said the PAC expects to announce more "midterm spend decisions" in the coming days and weeks.
Key numbers and background
- Fairshake is spending $30 million against Sherrod Brown in Ohio — its most aggressive move yet ahead of the November midterms.
- In 2024, Fairshake spent $12 million in Ohio to back crypto-friendly Republican Bernie Moreno, who defeated Brown.
- Crypto money has also been flowing to support Republican Sen. Jon Husted, who faces Brown in November.
Why Fairshake is targeting Brown
Brown was previously the chair of the Senate Banking Committee, which plays a major role in advancing crypto legislation. During his time as chair, he called for a crackdown on the use of cryptocurrency to fund terrorism and evade sanctions. Fairshake and the broader crypto industry have viewed Brown as a crypto critic, and his 2024 defeat by Moreno was seen as a win for the industry.
Now, with Brown running again against Sen. Jon Husted, Fairshake is stepping up its efforts. Husted has been a vocal supporter of crypto innovation and has backed key pro-crypto legislation, including the GENIUS Act. Advocacy group Stand With Crypto rates him as "strongly supports crypto" based on his past statements.
Connection to the Clarity Act
The spending announcement comes less than a week after the Senate failed to advance the Clarity Act in a procedural vote. Senate Democrats ultimately said they could not vote for a bill that would allow President Donald Trump to profit personally from the crypto industry, given his millions of dollars in income from multiple digital asset ventures.
Notably, Fairshake backed two current Senate Democrats — Ruben Gallego and Elissa Slotkin — both of whom voted against the Clarity Act last week.
What is confirmed
Fairshake has committed $30 million to oppose Sherrod Brown in Ohio. The PAC's spokesperson confirmed this figure and said more spending announcements are expected. The money is directed at the November midterm race, where Husted is set to face Brown. The spending follows the Senate's failure to pass the Clarity Act.
What is still unclear
The exact timing and breakdown of how the $30 million will be spent is not specified. The specific amounts Fairshake plans to allocate to other races or candidates in the coming weeks remain unknown.
Why this matters for crypto
The Fairshift spending signals that the crypto industry is willing to invest heavily in shaping political outcomes that affect crypto regulation. The industry's ability to influence who sits on key committees and how they vote on legislation like the Clarity Act could have lasting effects on how digital assets are regulated at the federal level.
What happens next
Fairshake has indicated it will announce more midterm spending decisions in the coming days and weeks. The November midterms will determine whether crypto-friendly candidates like Husted gain seats in the Senate.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.