Companies tied to crypto, artificial intelligence and betting are pouring money into the 2026 US midterm elections, with spending already outpacing the previous cycle.
Corporate groups spent $517 million on House and Senate races through March, according to Reuters, exceeding the full 2024 record. The surge shows how emerging industries are becoming bigger players in US politics ahead of the November elections.
Crypto Leads the New Spending
Crypto, technology and online gaming companies contributed at least $294 million to the 2026 election cycle, according to Public Citizen.
Crypto groups have built a bipartisan political network through super PACs and affiliated organizations. Fairshake began 2026 with $193 million and still has about $130 million available for the midterms.
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Coinbase, Ripple and Andreessen Horowitz provided most of its funding, allowing crypto groups to support candidates based on their positions on digital-asset policy.
AI and Betting Join the Push
Groups linked to OpenAI and Anthropic have spent more than $23 million, while AI-focused super PAC Leading the Future has raised $140 million.
Sports betting companies have contributed more than $72 million, led by DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics and bet365. Polymarket also gave $1 million through its parent company.
Political advertising could reach $11.6 billion this cycle, underscoring the growing role of these industries in US elections.
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