Bitcoin Proponent Ian Calderon Launches Campaign for California Governor
On September 23, Ian Calderon announced his candidacy for the Gubernatorial Elections in California, pledging to include Bitcoin in the state’s balance sheet if elected. Despite this, skepticism lingers among many within the Bitcoin community.
Summary
- Calderon has consistently advocated for crypto and Bitcoin during his time in the California legislature.
- He is attempting to resonate with both Republican and Democratic voters.
- His gubernatorial campaign launch elicited mixed reactions from the crypto community.
Who is Calderon?
Calderon, a Democrat, faced criticism last week for his pro-crypto position, with some skeptics labeling his Bitcoin stance as mere publicity. Conversely, others see his candidacy as a beacon of growing bipartisan support for Bitcoin.
Having served three terms in the California Legislature before his resignation in 2020, Calderon was the first millennial legislator and the youngest majority leader in California State Assembly history.
His initiatives related to Bitcoin include efforts to bring crypto into clearer legal frameworks. Notably, Calderon authored the 2018 bill AB 2658, which established California’s Blockchain Working Group, aimed at exploring blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, working with lawmakers to define their legal status, and assessing associated risks.
From 2020 to 2022, he contributed to the Blockchain Working Group’s roadmap and initiated work on a bill to make Bitcoin legal tender in California.
Calderon hailed the bill as potential groundbreaking legislation for the nation, stating in 2022:
“It’s crucial that we’re making this effort in California due to the national implications it entails. The aim is to develop model legislation applicable everywhere in the U.S.”
However, it’s important to note that despite Calderon’s assertions regarding Bitcoin as legal tender, the bill does not explicitly mention “Bitcoin” or “cryptocurrency,” opting instead for a somewhat ambiguous definition of “virtual currency” intended for transactions. Calderon proposed pilot programs to clarify the bill’s legal vagueness for local municipalities, but it has seen little progress since November 2022.
Calderon’s platform
Accompanying his announcement, Calderon shared a video discussing the issues he aims to address as governor, highlighting rising gas and grocery prices alongside a housing crisis:
“Costly childcare, stagnant paychecks against skyrocketing living costs, the highest gas prices in the nation, and an impossible housing market.”
Calderon also pointed out that an excessive number of homes in California are owned by corporations and foreign investors, hindering local families from achieving full ownership.
Identifying as a Democrat who supports common-sense solutions, he often diverges from party lines. A full list of his initiatives can be found on his campaign’s website, Ian For Governor.
Though he only briefly mentioned Bitcoin in the video, he took to X on the day of his announcement to express the necessity of establishing California as a frontrunner in Bitcoin innovation.
Reaction
Long-time supporter Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Act Fund, had been building anticipation among his 200,000-plus followers for days.
When it turned out the big announcement was Calderon’s gubernatorial run, many followers expressed disappointment, feeling it wasn’t worth the hype.
Some equated the Democrats to being anti-crypto and doubted Calderon’s authenticity as a Bitcoin supporter.
Numerous followers were unaware of Calderon’s history as a Bitcoin advocate, overlooking the fact that significant bipartisan crypto legislation surfaced in 2025.
Other critics referenced Calderon’s uncles, Ron and Tom, who have had controversies in California politics due to corruption charges in 2016.
Negative sentiments from Porter’s announcement quickly spread across comment sections of Calderon’s and various crypto influencers’ posts.
This included responses from Scott Melker, host of The Wolf of All Streets podcast, and Wendy O, the host of the prominent female-centric Bitcoin YouTube show, “The O Show.” While some voiced support for Calderon, they urged him to reconsider his association with Porter.
Nonetheless, many welcomed having a pro-Bitcoin candidate from the Democratic side, hoping Calderon could counteract fellow Democrats who challenge Bitcoin.
Competition
The race for the governor’s seat in 2026 is already heating up. Calderon faces challengers, including Congresswoman Katie Porter from the Democratic Party and Republican pundit Steve Hilton.
With voting day set for Nov. 5, it will be interesting to see how Calderon’s campaign evolves. However, the impact of his candidacy remains uncertain.