The cryptocurrency sector has rallied behind pro-crypto US Senator Cynthia Lummis following her announcement that she will not run for reelection in 2026.
Lummis, a strong supporter of digital assets, has significantly influenced US crypto policy discussions in recent years and gained considerable respect throughout the crypto community.
Collin McCune, head of government affairs at venture capital firm a16z, expressed in a post on X that “crypto would not be where it is today without her fight in Congress.”
Davis Sacks Calls Lummis a “Great Ally on Crypto”
Sharing a similar view, Greg Xethalis, general partner at crypto investment firm Multicoin, remarked, “Her priorities have progressed significantly because sometimes it takes a cattle rancher like Sen Lummis to drive effective policy.”
Lummis was an outspoken critic of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s regulation-by-enforcement strategy towards crypto during the Biden administration and strongly supported the Responsible Financial Innovation Act as well as the ongoing US Clarity Act, both aimed at providing clearer regulations for digital assets.
In her Friday announcement, which garnered nearly 1 million views on X, Lummis stated that she does not have “six more years” left in her. “I am a dedicated legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon. The energy required doesn’t align,” she explained.
Support for Lummis also emerged from within the White House. David Sacks, the White House AI and crypto czar, described her as “a great ally on crypto,” expressing his regret at her departure.
Natalie Brunell, a Bitcoin advocate and host of Coin Stories, also honored Lummis by thanking her for her “service and for advancing the Bitcoin cause.” “Wishing you a wonderful next chapter,” Brunell added.
Crypto VC Insists “Jobs Not Done” After Lummis’ Announcement
Even with Lummis stepping back, industry members assert that policy efforts continue. Kyle Samani, managing partner at Multicoin, stated, “Jobs not done. We have legislation to pass in 2026.”
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Lummis’ announcement came a day after Sacks mentioned that the US Congress could potentially act as soon as January on the highly-anticipated US Clarity Act.
”We are closer than ever to passing the landmark crypto market structure legislation that President Trump has called for,” Sacks noted on Thursday.
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