DFM:DFM 21 February 2026 - 28 February 2026

March 15, 2026, 9:14 AM EDT. The cryptocurrency sector has poured at least $3.3 million into negative advertising against Democratic candidates in Illinois' 2nd and 7th Congressional District primaries. The attacks come from the crypto-backed Fairshake PAC, which brands progressive candidates who supported consumer protection regulations on digital coins as corrupt. These regulations mandate crypto companies to register with Illinois and comply with state rules, a move opposed by the industry preferring looser federal oversight. Targeted candidates include state Sen. Robert Peters, endorsed by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, whom the PAC accuses of being a corporate pawn. Critics like Jeff Hauser of the Revolving Door Project warn that this tactic undermines genuine anti-corruption efforts. The crypto PAC declined to comment on its campaign strategy.