Crypto Lobby Shifts Gears with Targeted Endorsements for 2026 Elections

Stand With Crypto is taking a targeted approach to endorsing candidates in the upcoming US elections. The membership group has announced its support for 32 House incumbents, marking a departure from the more scattershot approach seen in earlier crypto spending.

The group's focus on incumbents with established policy records may prove more efficient than trying to unseat opponents or win crowded primaries. By prioritizing candidates whose positions are already on the record, Stand With Crypto can hold its endorsed members accountable and shape future legislation.

Stand With Crypto's influence has grown due in part to its grading system, which assesses politicians based on their votes, public comments, and policy positions. This approach allows for more nuanced evaluations of a candidate's commitment to digital assets.

The group's endorsement campaign arrives at a critical time, with the Senate still debating a sweeping market-structure bill. The stakes are high, as real-world asset tokenization has crossed $20 billion on-chain, and institutional settlement is becoming increasingly prominent.