Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, a prominent supporter of cryptocurrency in the US Congress, has publicly endorsed Republican Ian Cain for a Senate seat in Massachusetts. In an announcement on July 8, Cain’s campaign highlighted Senator Lummis’s support, emphasizing his understanding of the digital economy and his commitment to innovation. This endorsement could give Cain an advantage in the primary race against his opponents, engineer Robert Antonellis and crypto-focused lawyer John Deaton. Senator Lummis praised Cain’s dedication to his community, stating, “From the border to blockchain, Ian Cain understands the issues facing his community and he will fight hard everyday for the Commonwealth.”
Senator Lummis’s endorsement comes 57 days before the Massachusetts Republican primary and 120 days before the general election in the United States. The Republican party aims to unseat incumbent Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren, who has been a vocal critic of cryptocurrencies, linking them to illicit activities. John Deaton, a lawyer running against Cain, has actively supported the crypto industry, filing amicus briefs in crypto court cases and criticizing Senator Warren’s anti-crypto stance. Deaton’s campaign has even raised more funds than Senator Warren’s in the first quarter of 2024, thanks to support from crypto-focused backers.
Ian Cain, co-founder of Qubic Labs, launched his campaign in April and has shown his support for crypto and blockchain technology through statements on his personal X account. While data on his fundraising efforts is currently unavailable, Cain has expressed his endorsement of the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century (FIT21) Act.
As of May 30, YouGov polls indicate that Senator Warren holds a significant lead over both Deaton and Cain. Cointelegraph reached out to Deaton and Senator Lummis for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
The 2024 election has already seen cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology become campaign issues for various candidates, including former President Donald Trump. Trump has advocated for Bitcoin mining in the US and has announced that his campaign will accept crypto contributions. This move has reportedly prompted President Joe Biden to consider giving digital assets more attention as a campaign issue in the upcoming election.
Overall, crypto enthusiasts are making their voices heard in the 2024 election, and their impact is expected to continue to grow.