- Majority of Americans are skeptical of crypto and AI, with 45% seeing crypto as too risky and 44% believing AI is advancing too quickly.
- Industry-aligned super PACs have poured tens of millions into the 2026 election cycle, yet remain largely unknown to voters.
- Poll data suggests candidates backed by groups pushing for looser AI rules face significant voter backlash in hypothetical matchups.
- Both sectors are heavily lobbying, with crypto advocating for the CLARITY Act and AI firms posting record expenditures.
Pro-crypto and pro-AI political groups are funneling tens of millions into the 2026 midterm elections, but a new poll reveals deep public skepticism toward both industries. The April survey by Public First for Politico found 45% of Americans believe investing in cryptocurrency is not worth the risk.
Meanwhile, 44% say AI is developing too fast, and two-thirds want Congress to impose strict regulations. Nearly half of respondents also trust a traditional bank more than a crypto platform. Consequently, these numbers spell potential trouble for candidates accepting support from industry-aligned super PACs.
In hypothetical matchups, respondents were far less likely to back candidates supported by groups advocating for looser AI regulations. “Skepticism of the industries, those results suggest, could turn into voter backlash if Americans grow fed up with the heavy spending,” the report said. However, most voters remain unaware of these influential groups.
Just 9% have heard of the pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future, and only 3% recognize the pro-crypto PAC Fairshake. Leading the Future has raised over $75 million since launching in August 2025. Fairshake, backed by Coinbase, Andreessen Horowitz and Ripple Labs, has already spent $28 million.
Both industries are simultaneously spending heavily on lobbyists in Washington. OpenAI and Anthropic posted record lobbying expenditures in early 2026. The crypto industry is pushing the CLARITY Act through the Senate, seeking regulatory certainty for digital assets.
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