Crypto-aligned PACs funnel over $24 million into Ohio Senate race

In September, Fairshake — a super PAC frequently backed by cryptocurrency firms — sent more than $24 million to its linked committee, Defend American Jobs.

During September, Defend American Jobs used roughly $24 million on the Ohio Senate contest.

About $18.6 million went to backing Republican incumbent Jon Husted.

A further $5.7 million was used to oppose Democratic contender Sherrod Brown.

October saw continued expenditure from Defend American Jobs, with additional money targeting Brown, backing Husted, and also opposing independent candidate Dan Osborn in Nebraska's Senate race.

Sherrod Brown has previously criticized the crypto industry, describing it as “speculative products run by reckless companies — we know that’s true — that put Americans’ hard-earned money at risk, not surprising from an industry that was created to skirt the rules.”

The Clarity Act would create strong rules for cryptocurrency, protect consumers, and strengthen America’s leadership in digital assets.
 
We need to get it done. pic.twitter.com/RWoTH4YCsa

— Senator Jon Husted (@SenJonHusted) August 15, 2026

Jon Husted publicly backed the Clarity Act.

Overall, Defend American Jobs has poured over $46 million into the Ohio Senate race this election cycle, surpassing the $40 million it used to support Bernie Moreno in 2024.

The Digital Freedom Fund has also contributed to crypto-related spending alongside Defend American Jobs.

Drawing most of its backing from the Winklevoss Capital Fund, the Digital Freedom Fund has spent another $5.9 million in the Ohio race, supporting Husted and opposing Brown.