Tom Emmer faces questions over crypto campaign cash | Letter to Editor

Special to the St. Cloud Times

Oct. 4, 2026, 5:02 a.m. CT

Letter to the Editor:

The November general election is approaching, and concerns about money and influence in politics remain front and center. Voters may reasonably want to know how their congressional representative, Tom Emmer, is using the millions of dollars raised through his political committees to maintain Republican control of the House.

Rep. Emmer has been a prominent advocate for cryptocurrency and co-founded the Congressional Crypto Caucus. According to public campaign finance data, Emmer’s fundraising committee, Emmer Majority Builders, received $433,800 from the cryptocurrency industry. Roughly four‑fifths of that total came from billionaire twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, co‑founders of the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange. The Washington Examiner reported Emmer defended this kind of political giving as “investing” in lawmakers who share the industry’s views.

Emmer’s opponent, Doug Chapin, confirmed that he is not taking crypto or data center lobby money. By the end of this election cycle, Chapin’s campaign says he will have held 20 in-person town halls. The last time Emmer held an in-person town hall was August 23, 2023.

Chapin will hold a town hall on Monday, October 5, from 5:45–7:30 p.m. at the Monticello Community Center, giving residents an opportunity to ask questions directly. The event will also be livestreamed on Facebook for those who cannot attend.

Emmer is raising millions and supporting Republican efforts nationwide. Chapin is visible in his district and listening to the people he hopes to represent.

Kay Vaughter, St. Cloud