Crypto Cash Powers Maryland Primary

A money group that ties itself to the crypto world has put more than $5. 5 million into a Maryland Democratic primary race, backing Adrian Boafo, who is seen as the next person in line for Rep. Steny Hoyer’s seat that will close at the end of 2026. The group, called Protect Progress, says it backs Democrats who want a clear rulebook for digital currency in the United States. Boafo has a history with crypto: while he was a state delegate, he pushed a bill to shield digital money from local rules and called for laws that would help the industry grow. His main rival, former Prince George’s County executive Rushern Baker, has warned that big donors are putting money in the race without expecting anything back.

The primary will be held on Monday, and Boafo is viewed as the frontrunner according to early betting markets. Protect Progress spent a total of $34. 5 million on Democratic candidates for the 2024 federal elections, according to a database of political donations. Major crypto players have poured money into the PAC: Coinbase donated $2. 5 million and Ripple added $1. 5 million. Coinbase’s CEO, Brian Armstrong, also gave a personal donation of $1 million to another crypto‑friendly PAC called Fairshake, which has raised $85 million overall. The influx of crypto money into local politics raises questions about the influence of industry insiders on elected officials. Observers are watching to see whether this financial support will translate into real policy changes that favor the digital currency sector.

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