The crypto industry has poured $176 million into more than 100 midterm races this election cycle, yet only 13% of American voters consider support for crypto and decentralized finance (DeFi) a top priority. This stark contrast was revealed in a recent survey conducted by Ipsos for the DeFi Education Fund, a crypto policy advocacy group.
The survey found that while crypto-specific support ranks low, a broader focus on keeping fintech innovation in the U.S. resonates more strongly. About 35% of respondents said it’s very important that candidates encourage fintech builders to operate domestically, with Republicans (45%) leading Democrats (30%) on this issue. The narrow crypto question showed little partisan gap, with 15% of Republicans and 13% of Democrats rating it very important.
The industry’s heavy spending, particularly by super PAC Fairshake and its affiliates, underscores the high stakes following the failure of the Clarity Act in September. That bill, which aimed to set federal rules for crypto markets, collapsed amid disputes over ethics provisions related to President Donald Trump’s crypto interests. With regulatory uncertainty lingering, the industry has shifted its focus to agencies like the SEC and CFTC to establish guidelines.
The survey also highlighted voter concerns about financial system security, with 63% believing it needs upgrades to combat threats like AI and cybercrime. Additionally, 49% opposed government decisions on investment products, reflecting a preference for personal financial freedom.