Crypto-Backed PAC Scales Back Ad Spending in Massachusetts Primary

A PAC backed by crypto-industry interests has scaled back its ad spending in Massachusetts' primary election, which is set to take place on Tuesday. The Protect Progress PAC, an affiliate of Fairshake, has spent a relatively modest $189,000 on media supporting Representative Jake Auchincloss's reelection bid in the state's 4th congressional district.

This is a significant reduction from the group's earlier spending, which had reached over $130 million in the 2024 election cycle. The Protect Progress PAC has been accused of using 'AI-generated slop mailers' to support Auchincloss, with Democratic candidate Jason Poulos calling on the representative to publicly renounce the group's efforts.

Auchincloss has received significant donations from crypto-industry sources, including $77,500 since 2020. The Protect Progress PAC is seen as an attempt by Fairshake to influence the 2026 elections through media and ads unrelated to candidates' positions on crypto and blockchain.