A crypto-funded super PAC is targeting Democratic House primaries in Illinois, focusing on candidates who supported state-level digital asset regulations. Campaign filings show Fairshake has booked ads in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District race, naming state Rep. La Shawn Ford. The group is reportedly preparing seven-figure ad buys in multiple primaries as part of its early strategy for the 2026 elections.
A crypto super PAC has begun intervening in Democratic House primaries in Illinois. The group is targeting candidates who previously supported state-level digital asset regulations.
Political advertising forms submitted to a Chicago television station show Fairshake has booked ads tied to Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. The filings name state Rep. La Shawn Ford, who is running in a crowded Democratic primary.
The documents confirm the group’s direct involvement in the race. They reference national policy issues, including jobs and the economy.
This development was first reported by a news outlet, which said Fairshake is preparing seven-figure ad buys. These form part of its early 2026 election strategy.
Ford is listed by an advocacy site as “somewhat against” the crypto industry. This rating is tied to his vote on Illinois’ SB 1797, a 2025 state law that imposed new requirements on digital asset firms.
The outlet reported Fairshake is also targeting Illinois state Sen. Robert Peters. He is another Democratic candidate who backed the same legislation and is running for an open House seat.
In a statement cited by the outlet, Fairshake said lawmakers who supported what it called “draconian rules” risk undermining U.S. competitiveness. The group argues such rules encourage a problematic patchwork of state-by-state regulation.
The Illinois efforts are part of a broader national push by the super PAC. It has previously been reported that Fairshake plans to spend $1.5 million against Rep. Al Green [D-Texas], a vocal industry critic.
Fairshake is funded primarily by major crypto industry players, including Coinbase, Ripple, and Andreessen Horowitz. The group has disclosed a war chest of roughly $190 million heading into the 2026 election cycle.
