Crypto Super PAC Targets Illinois House Primaries

The seven-figure ad buys provide an early view into how the crypto industry will deploy a $190 million war chest to defeat candidates deemed hostile to its policy interests.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A crypto-focused super PAC is wading into Illinois House primary races, launching seven-figure ad buys targeting two Democratic candidates - Jonathan Ford and Karin Peters - who supported state-level crypto legislation that imposed new rules on digital asset firms.

Why it matters

This move by the crypto super PAC offers an early glimpse into how the industry plans to use its substantial financial resources to influence political races and defeat candidates seen as unfriendly to its policy agenda, raising concerns about the growing influence of money in politics.

The details

The super PAC claims the legislators 'voted for and pushed draconian rules that would have led to a patchwork of state-by-state rules that kills American competitiveness and job creation and undermines consumer protections.' Ford is backed by retiring Rep. Davis, while Peters is endorsed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a leading crypto critic. The 2nd district race also includes former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who is benefiting from a super PAC funded by AI companies.

  • The state-level crypto legislation that Ford and Peters supported became law last August.
  • The Illinois House primaries are scheduled for 2026.

The players

Jonathan Ford

A Democratic candidate in the Illinois House primary race, endorsed by retiring Rep. Davis.

Karin Peters

A Democratic candidate in the Illinois House primary race, backed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a leading crypto critic.

Elizabeth Warren

A U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and a leading critic of the crypto industry.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

A former U.S. Representative who is a candidate in the Illinois House primary race, benefiting from a super PAC funded by top AI companies.

Crypto Super PAC

A political action committee funded by the crypto industry that is launching seven-figure ad buys targeting Democratic candidates in Illinois House primaries.

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What they’re saying

“The 2nd Congressional District is a historically majority Black seat, and outside Super PACs funded by Trump-aligned billionaires are dumping millions of dollars into this race to try to buy this seat and subvert the will of the electorate. They're all in for my opponent because he's already shown that he can be bought—and I've made it clear that I can't.”

— Karin Peters

What’s next

The Illinois House primaries are scheduled for 2026, and it remains to be seen how the crypto super PAC's involvement will impact the outcomes of these races.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing influence of money in politics, as the crypto industry deploys substantial financial resources to shape the political landscape and defeat candidates seen as unfriendly to its policy agenda, raising concerns about the potential for special interests to subvert the democratic process.