Big Crypto Is Trying To Take Down Sherrod Brown in Ohio

Crypto-backed super PAC Fairshake plans to spend at least $30 million against Democrat Sherrod Brown in Ohio’s November 3 Senate special election, The New York Times first reported.

Cryptocurrency groups are escalating their midterm spending after Senate Democrats opposed a procedural vote last week that would have allowed debate on the CLARITY Act, backed by President Donald Trump, leaving the bill stalled before formal debate could begin. The CLARITY Act would create a federal regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, clarifying whether the SEC or the CFTC oversees them. Supporters argue it would provide long-sought regulatory certainty for the crypto industry, while critics have raised concerns about investor protections and provisions related to President Trump's crypto interests.

The industry’s largest intervention of the 2026 cycle will test whether outside money can overturn Brown’s polling advantage in a state that has moved right.

Ohio voters will choose between Brown, who is seeking an electoral comeback after representing the state in the Senate from 2007 to 2025, and the incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted, who was appointed after JD Vance became vice president.