Crypto4Harris Event

Crypto pundits and lawmakers are set to speak at “Crypto4Harris,” aiming to strengthen ties with presidential candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris.

Organizers

The initiative began two weeks ago, led by Jonathan Padilla, founder of Snickerdoodle Labs and former head of blockchain strategy at PayPal. He also serves as a delegate in California for the Democratic National Convention.

The group, which has a page on X, identifies as a grassroots network of crypto advocates focused on organizing, fundraising, and developing a specific crypto-policy approach for the Harris campaign. They will hold a town hall on Wednesday night featuring speakers like Reps. Ritchie Torres, Wiley Nickel, Adam Schiff, Crypto Council for Innovation CEO Sheila Warren, billionaire Mark Cuban, and former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci.

Padilla stated, “This event on Wednesday is really a starting point. Our bigger goal is to engage with the Harris campaign meaningfully and do a formal reset.”

Crypto’s Role in Elections

The crypto industry is increasingly influential in the election, with substantial funding flowing into super PACs. Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for the industry, promising to reverse the U.S. government’s crackdowns on crypto. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has started initiatives to learn more about the industry but has yet to take a public stance on crypto.

Rep. Wiley Nickel expressed enthusiasm for the town hall, emphasizing the importance of encouraging digital innovation while protecting consumers. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, who supported a crypto market structure bill, will also speak at the event.

Harris and the Crypto Industry

The Crypto4Harris group aims to have crypto front and center in a potential Harris administration through policy development, fundraising, and suggesting key appointments in the Treasury Department or SEC. Padilla noted positive communication with Harris’ campaign, indicating a willingness to collaborate.

Harris’ Advisers

Kamala Harris has reportedly onboarded Brian Nelson, former under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, and others from President Biden’s economic team. Some in the crypto industry raised concerns over the hiring of former aides Deese and Ramamurti, who they believe contributed to the Biden administration’s unfavorable crypto policies. Padilla acknowledged the complexities of campaign staffing, urging the crypto space to communicate their preferences regarding key figures in the campaign.