Poll finds broad voter distrust of crypto and AI as industry PAC spending rises
Survey results suggest candidates backed by pro-crypto and pro-AI groups could face voter backlash in the 2026 midterm elections
Quick Look
A new poll found many Americans distrust cryptocurrency and are concerned about the pace of AI development, even as crypto and AI industry groups spend tens of millions of dollars on the 2026 midterm elections.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The article says crypto and AI industry groups are spending tens of millions of dollars on the 2026 midterm elections while also increasing lobbying efforts. It cites polling showing many voters remain skeptical of both industries and favor stricter oversight, especially for AI.
Crypto and AI industry groups are spending tens of millions of dollars on the 2026 midterm elections, but a new poll suggests most Americans remain skeptical of both industries.
According to an April survey by Public First for Politico, 45% of Americans said investing in cryptocurrency is not worth the risk, while 44% said AI is developing too fast. The survey also found that nearly half of respondents trust a traditional bank over a crypto platform, and two-thirds want Congress to impose strict regulations or broad oversight principles on AI.
The findings suggest political risks for candidates who accept support from industry-aligned super PACs. In hypothetical matchups, respondents were less likely to support candidates backed by groups advocating looser AI regulations than those supported by groups calling for tighter tech rules.
"Skepticism of the industries, those results suggest, could turn into voter backlash if Americans grow fed up with the heavy spending," the report said.
The poll was conducted online between April 11 and 14 among 2,035 US adults. Results were weighted by age, race, gender, geography and educational attainment, with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points.
Pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future, launched in August 2025, has raised more than $75 million and spent money in primaries across North Carolina, Texas, Illinois and New York. Fairshake, a pro-crypto PAC backed by Coinbase, Andreessen Horowitz and Ripple Labs, has spent $28 million in competitive primaries.
Both industries are also increasing lobbying efforts. OpenAI and Anthropic posted record lobbying expenditures in the first quarter of 2026. The crypto industry is also pushing the CLARITY Act through the Senate, hoping the market structure bill will provide regulatory certainty for digital assets.
In 2024, a Fairshake-affiliated PAC spent more than $40 million helping defeat Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, a longtime crypto critic who is now running again.
Most voters still do not recognize these groups. The article says 9% have heard of Leading the Future and 3% recognize Fairshake. Political observers told Politico that backlash could come quickly if voters connect campaign money to the industries funding it.
"I do think if they see somebody is backed by crypto, that’s always going to be a problem," former Ohio Rep. Jim Renacci reportedly said.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Political scrutiny of crypto- and AI-backed candidates is likely to increase as the 2026 midterms approach.
Likely · Within weeks
Debate over stricter AI oversight in Congress is likely to intensify.
Likely · Within weeks
The crypto industry will continue pressing for the CLARITY Act in the Senate.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Which specific candidates are receiving support from these industry-aligned super PACs?
- How much total money will crypto and AI groups spend before the 2026 midterms?
- Whether voter awareness of Fairshake and Leading the Future will increase during the campaign season?
- How the Senate will handle the CLARITY Act?
