Crypto Ownership: A Growing Political Force in Washington

Ripple’s Legal Chief Calls for Recognition of 67 Million U.S. Crypto Holders as a Major Voting Bloc

Crypto Community Urges Washington to Recognize Growing Voter Bloc

In a bold statement, Stuart Alderoty, the legal chief of Ripple and President of the National Cryptocurrency Association, is calling on lawmakers in Washington to reconsider their approach to the burgeoning cryptocurrency community. With an estimated 67 million adults in the U.S. now owning digital assets, Alderoty argues that crypto holders represent a significant voting bloc that cannot be dismissed as a fringe group.

In a recent post on X, Alderoty emphasized the sheer scale of crypto ownership, stating, “For starters, it means more people have crypto than have dogs.” He pointed to data from the National Cryptocurrency Association, which reveals that one in four American adults now holds cryptocurrency, a demographic that has expanded rapidly over the past year.

Despite the impressive numbers, public sentiment remains mixed. A recent Politico poll indicated that only 27% of Americans support the CLARITY Act, a proposed piece of legislation aimed at establishing federal regulations for the crypto market. However, Alderoty contends that this figure closely mirrors the percentage of adults who currently own crypto, suggesting that the community’s influence is far from negligible.

“Somehow that constituency still gets dismissed as a fringe,” Alderoty remarked, highlighting the disconnect between lawmakers and the realities of crypto ownership. He noted that the demographic of crypto holders is diversifying, with women making up 42% of new holders in 2025 and 2026, compared to just 34% among earlier adopters. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of crypto holders earn $75,000 or less annually, challenging the stereotype of crypto investors as predominantly wealthy tech enthusiasts.

As Congress grapples with the CLARITY Act, which aims to set clear guidelines for the crypto industry, Alderoty’s comments come at a critical juncture. The bill has already passed key hurdles but still requires a full Senate vote, with an August 7 deadline looming before the summer recess. Lawmakers are currently working to merge different versions of the bill from the Banking and Agriculture committees, but debates over ethics, anti-money laundering provisions, and agency oversight continue to complicate the process.

Public polling presents a mixed picture for lawmakers, with a survey from Politico and Public First revealing that only 4% of voters consider a candidate’s stance on crypto as a decisive factor in their voting decisions. Yet, other polls indicate a desire for stronger regulations, with many Americans expressing concerns about the influence of the crypto industry in Washington.

The crypto industry is also ramping up its political spending, with reports indicating that firms have already invested $189 million in the 2026 election cycle, surpassing their total for 2024. Major players like Ripple Labs and Coinbase are among the top contributors to political action committees focused on corporate policy.

Alderoty’s message is clear: lawmakers must recognize the significance of the 67 million crypto holders and the need for clear regulatory frameworks. As the debate continues, the question remains whether Washington will embrace this growing constituency or continue to treat them as an afterthought in the political landscape.