Christian Menefee, a 38-year-old pro-crypto Democratic congressman, defeated incumbent Al Green in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 18th congressional district on May 26. Previously, a super PAC affiliated with Fairshake, “Protect Progress,” poured tens of millions of dollars into supporting Menefee, while Green is a vocal critic of cryptocurrencies.
The candidates’ crypto stances: the gap between Stand with Crypto ratings of A and F
Menefee has actively embraced blockchain technology, saying on his official website that it has the potential to improve trust, transparency, and efficiency in areas such as finance and supply chains, and he received the top “A” rating from Stand with Crypto. Green, meanwhile, has long and strongly criticized cryptocurrencies, warning that digital assets could threaten the U.S. dollar’s global position and national security; he voted against both the GENIUS stablecoin bill and the Clarity Act, and received an “F” rating from Stand with Crypto. While both candidates agree in their criticism of President Trump’s stance, they differ sharply on their views toward cryptocurrencies.
Fairshake statement and other elected Texas candidates backed by crypto PACs
In an email statement, a Fairshake spokesperson, Jeff Witte, said: “Rep. Green’s defeat proves that anti-crypto hostility has real election consequences, making him the first Democratic incumbent to lose a seat in this election cycle. Fairshake is a key player in this election, and we will continue to actively support leaders like Rep. Menefee across the country.”
On the same day, reporter Eleanor Trott reported that other candidates backed by crypto PACs also won their respective Texas primary runoffs, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s victory in the Republican federal Senate runoff, and Alex Miller’s victory in the Republican Texas House District 9 primary runoff.
Frequently asked questions
What specific items are included in Menefee’s stated crypto policy positions?
On his official website, Menefee says blockchain technology has the potential to improve trust, transparency, and efficiency in areas such as finance and supply chains, earning him the highest “A” score in the Stand with Crypto rating system, while the defeated Green is listed as “F” under the same rating.
What is Fairshake, and what are its funding sources?
Fairshake is a crypto Super PAC, and its affiliated committees raised more than $395 million across the 2024 and 2026 election cycles. According to The Block’s data dashboard, major donors include Coinbase, Ripple, and the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.
Which specific crypto bills did Green oppose?
According to The Block, Green voted against both the GENIUS stablecoin bill and the Clarity Act in legislative votes, and publicly warned that digital assets could threaten the U.S. dollar’s global position and national security. He was listed as “F” in the Stand with Crypto rating.
