Fairshake Affiliate Cuts Ad Spending in Massachusetts Primary
A crypto-backed PAC has significantly reduced its ad spending in Massachusetts' primary election. According to Federal Election Commission records, Protect Progress PAC spent around $189,000 on media supporting Representative Jake Auchincloss's reelection bid in the state's 4th congressional district.
The money was used for 'AI-generated slop mailers' backing Auchincloss ahead of the primary. The funds also included $77,500 directly from crypto-industry sources that Auchincloss accepted since 2020. This is part of Fairshake's efforts to influence the 2026 elections through media and ads unrelated to candidates' positions on crypto and blockchain.
Protect Progress PAC is an affiliate of Fairshake, which had $122 million cash on hand ahead of the midterms after spending around $3.6 million in August on House and Senate races in Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming. The group's spokesperson said they were 'not slowing down heading into November' with dozens of wins across the country.
Auchincloss was criticized by Democratic candidate Jason Poulos for accepting funds from crypto-industry sources and potentially influencing the primary and general election. Auchincloss voted in favor of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in July 2025, which has yet to be signed into law as it awaits consideration in the Senate.