Crypto PAC Fairshake Cuts Ad Spending in Massachusetts Primary Race

Protect Progress, an affiliate of the crypto-backed political action committee Fairshake, spent approximately $189,000 on media supporting Representative Jake Auchincloss ahead of Massachusetts' 4th congressional district primary on Tuesday, according to Federal Election Commission records. The spending marks a significant reduction compared to Fairshake's involvement in the 2024 election cycle, when the PAC and its affiliates poured more than $130 million into ads and media campaigns. Fairshake reported having $122 million cash on hand heading into the 2026 midterm elections following roughly $3.6 million in spending on House and Senate races in Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming during August.

Democratic challenger Jason Poulos alleged in an Aug. 16 letter that some of the funds were used to produce "AI-generated slop mailers" backing Auchincloss. Poulos called on the incumbent to "publicly renounce" Protect Progress' efforts and pointed to $77,500 Auchincloss has accepted directly from industry sources since 2020. The criticism referenced Auchincloss's vote in favor of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in July 2025, a market structure bill that has yet to be signed into law as it awaits Senate consideration. Fairshake spokesperson Geoff Vetter defended the PAC's strategy, stating the group has "dozens of wins in House and Senate races across the country" and is "not slowing down heading into November."

Massachusetts is among the final states to hold primaries in the 2026 cycle, with New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Delaware all scheduled for September contests. The race reflects the crypto industry's continued push to influence federal candidates and policy outcomes, particularly around digital asset regulation. As the general election approaches, Fairshake's substantial war chest signals that crypto-related political spending is likely to remain a defining feature of the 2026 midterms.