Crypto Community Reacts With Regret as Senator Cynthia Lummis Declines Reelection

Industry leaders say US crypto policy would look very different without Lummis’ advocacy

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Crypto Industry Rallies Behind Senator Lummis

The US crypto community has responded with widespread support and regret following Senator Cynthia Lummis’ announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2026.

Lummis, one of the most prominent pro-crypto voices in the US Senate, has played a central role in shaping digital asset policy over the past several years. Her decision marks the upcoming end of a legislative chapter that many in the industry view as foundational to crypto’s progress in Washington.

“Crypto Would Not Be Where It Is Today”

Industry leaders were quick to praise Lummis’ contributions.

Collin McCune, head of government affairs at venture capital firm a16z, said the crypto industry “would not be where it is today without her fight in the Congress,” highlighting her persistence in pushing for regulatory clarity amid political headwinds.

Others echoed the sentiment, emphasizing her practical, no-nonsense approach to policymaking.

A Rare Ally Across the Crypto Ecosystem

Greg Xethalis, general partner at Multicoin Capital, described Lummis as a uniquely effective policymaker, noting that “sometimes it takes a cattle rancher like Sen Lummis to drive good policy.”

Her background and independence helped her earn credibility across party lines and within an industry often skeptical of politicians.

Lummis consistently criticized the SEC’s regulation-by-enforcement approach, particularly under former Chair Gary Gensler, and emerged as a leading advocate for structured, transparent crypto regulation.

Key Role in Major Crypto Legislation

Throughout her tenure, Lummis was closely associated with major legislative efforts aimed at clarifying crypto’s regulatory status in the US.

She strongly supported:

  • The Responsible Financial Innovation Act
  • The ongoing US Clarity Act, which seeks to define regulatory jurisdiction and market structure for digital assets

These efforts positioned her as one of the most influential crypto policymakers in Congress.

Why Lummis Is Stepping Away

In her public announcement, which gained close to one million views on X, Lummis explained that the physical and mental demands of another six-year term no longer aligned with her energy level.

“I am a devout legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon,” she said. “The energy required doesn’t match up.”

Her comments were widely seen as candid and reflective, rather than political.

Praise From the White House and Bitcoin Advocates

Support for Lummis extended beyond the crypto industry.

White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks called her “a great ally on crypto,” adding that he was “very sorry to see her go.”

Bitcoin advocate and Coin Stories host Natalie Brunell also thanked Lummis for her service, saying she helped move “the Bitcoin cause forward” and wishing her well in the next chapter of her life.

Policy Work Continues Beyond 2026

Despite the disappointment surrounding her departure, industry leaders stressed that the push for crypto legislation is far from over.

Kyle Samani, managing partner at Multicoin Capital, summed it up succinctly: “Jobs not done. We have legislation to pass in 2026.”

Momentum remains strong, particularly as policymakers signal potential movement on the US Clarity Act as early as January, reinforcing that Lummis’ legacy may continue shaping crypto regulation even after her exit.

A Lasting Impact on US Crypto Policy

While Senator Lummis’ decision marks the end of her Senate career, her influence on US crypto policy is likely to endure.

By championing clear rules, resisting regulatory overreach, and engaging directly with industry participants, she helped bring crypto policy out of the margins and into serious legislative debate.

For many in the crypto community, her departure is not just the loss of an ally — but the closing of a formative chapter in crypto’s journey toward regulatory legitimacy.

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