Defend Developers PAC launches crypto political funding push for 2026 midterms
In brief
- Defend Developers PAC, a hybrid PAC founded by Gavin Zavatone of the DeFi Education Fund, backs pro-crypto incumbent lawmakers
- The PAC plans to raise and contribute six figures across dozens of key midterm races
- Board members include representatives from Uniswap Labs, DeFi Education Fund, and Solana Policy Institute
- Fairshake remains the sector's leading super PAC, having spent $6.5 million against crypto critic Al Green
Building Political Infrastructure for Crypto
Zavatone announced the effort in a Wednesday statement, saying the PAC aims to inject capital into races where crypto-friendly candidates can advance. "We plan to raise and contribute more than six figures across dozens of key races in the midterms, because crypto technologists deserve champions in Congress who will go to bat for them," he said.
The board of directors includes members from Uniswap Labs, DeFi Education Fund, and the Solana Policy Institute, though no dollar commitments from those organizations have been announced. This marks a departure from how other crypto PACs operate—Defend Developers is positioning itself as a builder-funded effort rather than relying on a single major backer.
The Broader Crypto PAC Landscape
Defend Developers enters a crowded field. Fairshake remains the sector's leading super PAC and has already logged significant wins. The committee backed nine Democratic U.S. House candidates in California, one in New Jersey, and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rounds in South Dakota during primary elections—all of whom won. Winners included Democrats Zoe Lofgren, Ted Lieu, Dave Min and Rob Menendez, with Democrats accounting for 10 of the 11 victories.
Fairshake's most visible move came in Texas, where it expended $6.5 million in its successful effort to defeat crypto critic Al Green in the Democratic primary. That scale dwarfs Defend Developers' stated six-figure target, but the new PAC isn't trying to match Fairshake's firepower.
Other crypto-linked committees also populate the space. The Fellowship PAC is linked to Tether and the Digital Freedom Fund is tied to Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss at Gemini. The Blockchain Leadership Fund, established by Anchorage Digital and Chainlink, is also a hybrid PAC. Each operates with a different strategic focus and funding model.
