Fairshake Survey Reveals Voter Distrust in Crypto and AI

A Fairshake survey reveals that 45% of Americans perceive cryptocurrency as too risky, even as industry PACs invest over $100 million into midterm elections.

A Public First poll conducted for Politico in April 2026 showed that 45% of Americans do not consider investing in cryptocurrency worth the associated risks, despite high potential returns. The study, surveying 2,035 adults, also found that 44% perceive AI development as too swift, with close to two-thirds favoring stringent regulations from Congress on artificial intelligence.

The results come amid a surge of investment from industry-aligned super PACs into the 2026 midterm elections. Fairshake, the pro-crypto PAC supported by Coinbase, Andreessen Horowitz, and Ripple, has allocated nearly $28 million across key primaries.

Meanwhile, the pro-AI organization Leading the Future, established in August 2025, has raised upwards of $75 million and deployed resources in races throughout North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, and New York. Their total expenditures surpass $100 million.

A political liability in the making

The poll indicated that participants were significantly less inclined to support candidates endorsed by groups advocating for looser AI regulations. Political analysts informed Politico that voter backlash could be rapid once they associate campaign contributions with the industries behind them. “If voters see someone is backed by crypto, that will invariably pose a challenge,” former Ohio Representative Jim Renacci reportedly remarked.

The disparity between financial influence and public trust is most pronounced in name recognition. Only 9% of respondents recognized Leading the Future, while just 3% were familiar with Fairshake. The industry holds considerable financial resources that have yet to translate into public credibility.

This gap is crucial, as both Fairshake and the cryptocurrency industry’s main legislative objective, the Clarity Act, rely on a Senate that is susceptible to midterm pressures.

As documented by crypto.news, if Democrats gain control of either chamber in November, the likelihood of Clarity Act passage is estimated to be nearly zero. Voter skepticism regarding cryptocurrency at 45% renders the midterm climate a challenge that PAC spending alone cannot mitigate.