‘Say No To Crypto’: California Primary Turns Into Bitcoin Political Fight

California’s anti-crypto mailers tied to Rep. Brad Sherman have been criticized by crypto advocates. These mailers are used for a political battle brewing in the state’s 32nd congressional district ahead of next week’s Democratic primary.

Brad Sherman Attacks Crypto In Election Campaign

Superstate CEO Robert Leshner has accused Sherman of using anti-crypto mailers for an escalation of attacks against challenger Jake Clevine.

Brad Sherman just put out THREE mailers about crypto specifically, without naming his opponent @jakeclevine so I wouldn't say its absent in the race so far, he's using it as a bogeyman yet again pic.twitter.com/USR0oXwKrv

— Robert Leshner (@rleshner) May 26, 2026

“Brad Sherman was Gensler’s handler in Congress, and as hostile an opponent as crypto can have in the house,” Leshner wrote on X. The Superstate CEO added, “He’s now going scorched-earth on Jake Clevine in CA-32 because he’s scared he might actually get primaried.”

Leshner added that “crypto hasn’t even shown up in this race yet. Not a dime from crypto PACs. That should change immediately.”

The mailers sent out of the district paint digital assets as bad and politically wrong. The first one includes a figure of Donald Trump with a huge Bitcoin in his hands. Meanwhile, the text states that the crypto industry poured over $700 million into U.S. federal races last election.

The Los Angeles Times’ mailer also mentions recent headlines regarding cryptocurrency spending and Trump’s profits tied to virtual assets. Moreover, it asked voters: “Why is the corrupt crypto industry targeting Congressman Brad Sherman and bankrolling his opponent?”

Another campaign graphic reads: “Say NO to crypto. Say NO to Trump.” Further, it features a picture of Trump with support from labor unions, environmental groups, and Democratic groups that are pro-Sherman.

A third mailer, featuring comic book style art of the woman reading her fake headline, which reads Sherman “faked the moon landing.” It even goes on to say that “Trump and his cryptocurrency cronies will say anything to defeat Brad Sherman.”

On the contrary, Trump’s Truth Social withdrew from Bitcoin ETF and major digital asset ETF filings.

What Do Industry Stakeholders Say?

Former Citibank analyst Tushant Suneja said the race might be more about political security than digital assets. “Sherman’s play against Clevine is less about crypto and more about maintaining a safe seat,” he wrote. Suneja added that cryptocurrency’s absence in the race “is what makes it interesting.”

However, Leshner disagreed with his opinion. He replied that Sherman had already published “three mailers about crypto specifically” and was “using it as a bogeyman yet again.”

The materials were “the first time I’ve seen crypto used as an attack line this election cycle,” said journalist Eleanor Terrett.

“No crypto PAC has entered the race against Sherman,” said Terrett. On the contrary, Clevine has reportedly been supported by some cryptocurrency-related donors. The primary election for California is on June 2.

In a separate update, Trump signed a pro-crypto executive order to allow banking access to digital asset firms.

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