Crypto-backed super PAC spent $1 million to support Manny Rutinel’s win in Colorado Democratic primary

Manny Rutinel has secured the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District and will move on to the November election with the backing of a crypto-aligned political action committee. Preliminary results show Rutinel received 61.7% of the vote, while his opponent, Shannon Bird, garnered 33.6%.

Super PAC support stands out in primary

During the campaign, the group You Can Push Back Super PAC spent heavily in favor of Rutinel. The PAC, reported to be operating with a $3.5 million donation from Ripple Labs’ co-founder Chris Larsen, spent $1 million ahead of the primary to boost Rutinel’s campaign.

Rutinel has been rated as “strongly supportive of crypto” by Stand With Crypto, a Coinbase-affiliated advocacy group. This assessment is based on his responses regarding stablecoins, market structure, and regulatory clarity. Stand With Crypto is known for tracking and promoting policies on digital assets across the United States.

Crypto funding fuels election debate

Coinbase is also a major donor to Fairshake PAC, which supports both Democratic and Republican candidates perceived to be pro-crypto in Congressional races. Fairshake has become one of the most visible political networks influencing US elections through digital asset policy agendas.

The advocacy group Public Citizen reported on Tuesday that the crypto sector has contributed approximately $189 million so far in an effort to sway the outcome of the 2026 US elections. Most of these funds have reportedly been channeled through political action committees.

Some experts believe the industry is following a similar path to its 2024 strategy. They expect crypto advocates to keep funding candidates seen as more favorable to digital assets from their perspective.

Debate over Washington influence intensifies

Mark Hays, associate director for crypto and fintech at Americans for Financial Reform, explained that voters are seeking equal treatment for crypto companies, preferring rules similar to those applied to other financial institutions rather than special privileges. Hays emphasized that shaping regulations through political donations creates unease among the electorate.

On Tuesday, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that President Donald Trump and his family are not engaged in, nor will they be involved in, any conflicts of interest.

Polling has revealed that the majority of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters are concerned about the influence of industry donations on crypto-related regulations. Americans for Financial Reform noted voters largely favor clear and reasonable rules for the sector.

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