How a $200M Crypto PAC is Shaping Election Success for 2026!

Joshua Vlasto, a powerhouse partner at Bamberger & Vlasto, brings a wealth of experience in public affairs and investor relations, especially within the philanthropic and financial realms. His knack for shaping narratives has made waves across industries.

In the fast-evolving world of crypto, Vlasto stands out as the dynamic spokesperson for Fairshake—a super PAC fueled by influential crypto entities, including Coinbase and Andreessen Horowitz, which poured over $170 million into the recent elections. This initiative achieved an impressive 48 victories, notably unseating major crypto critics like Senate Banking Committee Chair Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY). Fairshake’s strategy was not one-sided; it skillfully navigated bipartisan waters, supporting key Republican candidates as well.

Join us as we delve into Fairshake’s journey, uncover the strategies that shaped its success, and explore how Vlasto is gearing up for the pivotal 2026 midterms!

Forbes: With the FTX disaster casting a long shadow, how did you pivot Fairshake’s strategy in response?

Joshua Vlasto: Fairshake emerged in mid-2023 as a direct response to the FTX fallout. Our approach was sharp, strategic, and designed to resonate with Congress across party lines. Unlike the disorganized tactics of the past, we focused on professionalism and clarity, setting a new standard.

Forbes: Just how much did you raise for the PAC?

Vlasto: A staggering $171 million.

Forbes: What was your fundraising objective?

Vlasto: Our main goal was to foster impactful change, demonstrating that the crypto industry is serious about engaging with Washington. We aimed to show Congress that we’re partners in innovation and job creation, not adversaries. By building a political operation that could genuinely influence races nationwide, we made our intentions crystal clear.

Forbes: Were all your donors on the same page, or did you face any significant differences in objectives?

Vlasto: Communication was key. We made it evident that our strategy was aligned with both our supporters and the daily operations of the PAC. Our bipartisan approach was all about collaboration—whether supporting incumbents or challengers. Observers were often surprised at our clarity of purpose, which shone through in both our messaging and actions.

Forbes: You chose not to invest in the presidential election?

Vlasto: That’s correct.

Forbes: Considering Trump’s outreach to the crypto sector, why did you decide to zero in on down-ballot races?

Vlasto: This decision was made long before Vice President Harris became the Democratic nominee. Our mission has always been to support legislators who are willing to collaborate on sensible regulations. We believe in shaping legislation from within Congress, regardless of who occupies the White House.

Forbes: Was there ever a moment of reconsideration after Trump’s pivot towards the industry?

Vlasto: Not that I recall. We had our strategy firmly in place and chose to adhere to it. Our diverse supporters would ultimately make their own electoral decisions, but we remained committed to our roadmap.

Forbes: Were you concerned that engaging in the presidential race might compromise your bipartisan image?

Vlasto: Not at all. Our focus was on supporting candidates who champion the crypto industry, irrespective of party lines. We evaluated candidates based solely on their commitment to innovation and collaboration. If a representative stood against progress, we were ready to oppose them, regardless of their political affiliation.

Take Katie Porter and Jamaal Bowman, for instance. Their open resistance to crypto ideals led to their defeats. Voters sent a strong message: they want an industry that supports their financial future, not one bogged down by outdated political strategies.

Forbes: What was your core message in these campaigns?

Vlasto: Our message was clear: crypto and blockchain are vital for building a sustainable future, creating American jobs, and promoting responsible regulation.

Forbes: PACs often resort to negative campaigning. Was that part of your strategy?

Vlasto: Our goal was to make a positive impact on races important to our supporters. We conducted thorough research to find the best ways to uplift our candidates and help them win. In regions like Arizona and Ohio, we tailored our messaging to resonate deeply with constituents.

Forbes: So, your messaging didn’t solely spotlight crypto, but instead focused on themes with the greatest impact?

Vlasto: While there were targeted efforts in races involving crypto opponents, most of our resources were used to bolster candidates aligned with our mission. Our approach was largely supportive, though we didn’t shy away from opposing candidates like Porter and Bowman when necessary.

Forbes: What key lessons emerged from this election cycle?

Vlasto: The importance of a focused strategy can’t be overstated. Our robust industry support demonstrated that we could execute our plan effectively. As we move into the next Congress, we’ve validated our approach with ongoing commitments from key industry players, ensuring we maintain momentum.

Forbes: There’s been criticism about the crypto industry’s spending power this cycle. How do you respond?

Vlasto: Our significant investment was a collective decision by the industry to make an impact. We were transparent in our fundraising efforts, and while we may have led in spending this time, it reflects our commitment to achieving our goals.

Forbes: Some argue this election cycle was particularly critical for the crypto community, especially with Gary Gensler’s actions and the need to unseat Senator Brown.

Vlasto: Absolutely. Our bipartisan strategy revealed that the extreme left’s stance against a booming industry was untenable. As crypto continues to break financial barriers and create wealth, it’s clear that collaboration across party lines is essential.

Forbes: Looking ahead, what does the electoral landscape look like for the next Congress? Who are your key targets?

Vlasto: We’re still analyzing the electoral map, but our commitment to supporting crypto-friendly candidates will remain our focus. We will continue to build alliances across the aisle and oppose those who stand against our industry.

Forbes: Thank you for your insights!