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$189,000 in support stands out in Massachusetts race

Protect Progress, part of the crypto-backed PAC network, stepped up media spending for Representative Jake Auchincloss ahead of Tuesday’s primary in Massachusetts. According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, the group spent more than $189,000 to support Auchincloss in his bid for re-election in the state’s 4th Congressional District.

The spending showed that political groups around Fairshake are continuing their advertising and communications efforts as they head into the 2026 election cycle. The filings indicate the support is part of a broader campaign strategy pursued regardless of candidates’ positions on crypto or blockchain.

Campaign debate and key objections

Democratic candidate Jason Poulos said part of that budget was used in mailers featuring support content generated by artificial intelligence. In a letter dated Aug. 16, Poulos asked Auchincloss to publicly reject any possible impact Protect Progress may have on the primary and the general election.

Poulos also claimed that Auchincloss has received $77,500 in direct support he described as coming from the crypto industry since 2020. He linked that claim to the Massachusetts lawmaker’s vote in July 2025 for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The market structure bill has not become law and is still awaiting Senate consideration.

What the numbers say

  • $189,000+: Protect Progress’s media spending in Massachusetts’ 4th District.
  • $3.6 million: Total spent in August by Fairshake and related groups in races in Alaska, Florida and Wyoming.
  • $122 million: Cash reserves Fairshake says it is holding ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Fairshake’s broader election strategy draws attention

Fairshake allocated more than $130 million to advertising and media in the 2024 election cycle. In August, the network directed about $3.6 million to House and Senate races in Alaska, Florida and Wyoming, and it is heading into the fall with $122 million still on hand.

Massachusetts is one of the last states to hold its primary with a little more than two months left before the general election. Primaries will also take place in New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Delaware in September. The picture suggests that political committees close to the crypto industry are continuing to focus on races that could directly or indirectly shape regulation.

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