Cryptocurrency and AI industries tested their influence in Illinois. It didn't go well

PBS NewsHour
by Matt Brown, Associated Press
March 18, 2026
2 views
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

AI and cryptocurrency industries failed to gain political influence in Illinois despite significant spending and campaign efforts.

AI Summary

The artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency industries mounted a political push in Illinois during midterm elections but failed to significantly influence outcomes or establish themselves as major political forces. Both sectors have been seeking to shape electoral results and gain political clout as emerging industries with growing economic influence. The setback suggests that despite substantial resources and interest in political engagement, neither industry has yet achieved the lobbying and electoral power of more established sectors. The failure comes as AI and crypto companies have increasingly invested in political infrastructure and candidate support to advance favorable regulatory policies. The Illinois results may indicate that traditional political networks and voter priorities still outweigh the spending and organizational efforts of newer industries attempting rapid political integration.

Source Coverage Map

10 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

Overlooked Story
23% coverage
Did Not Cover (33)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP US News96AP Top News96ProPublica95+28 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Crypto Spends Big in Illinois House Races to Say Consumer Rights Supporters Are Corrupt
Politics

Crypto Spends Big in Illinois House Races to Say Consumer Rights Supporters Are Corrupt

A crypto PAC smeared one progressive backed by Bernie Sanders as a “corporate pawn” and spent millions calling another a tax cheat. The post Crypto Spends Big in Illinois House Races to Say Consumer Rights Supporters Are Corrupt appeared first on The Intercept .

The InterceptMar 15
Joe Kent's resignation over Iran war reignites antisemitism fears and debate over Israeli influence - AP News
Politics

Joe Kent's resignation over Iran war reignites antisemitism fears and debate over Israeli influence - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxONDR0WEFoUFMyR194WUxLZzFDX3ZPZDY4ZmRJUjNOTWk2cnl5aHJ0WFhMb2hwVzBZTVdmb3pKamJkcXRaN3RoU0RqdFp5dnUwQWpRYUtvTUwtMlpSa2luZlUweFV0djZjQkNzOWtPeHRTVDBsNmRWNnNYeXltYVZxb2hGQTFaMS00WkdCZm5jVDRzbFBVbXJjdHIxTHZWYVdHem4ta1ZkQnJlTG1XOGEw?oc=5" target="_blank">Joe Kent's resignation over Iran war reignites antisemitism fears and debate over Israeli influence</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 19
Illinois heads to elect next senator and five congressional district candidates
Politics

Illinois heads to elect next senator and five congressional district candidates

<p>Midwestern state has a slate of competitive races with money flowing in from donors including Aipac</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&amp;utm_campaign=BN22326&amp;utm_content=signup&amp;utm_term=standfirst&amp;utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>Illinois voters on Tuesday will decide between a crowded field of Democratic candidates vying to be the state’s next senator as the midwestern state also nominates candidates for five open congressional seats.</p><p>Longtime Illinois senator Dick Durbin’s retirement leaves a competitive race that includes two US representatives and the lieutenant governor vying to replace him, with massive infusions of money coming to the candidates from outside groups, including donors affiliated with the American Isr...

The Guardian US NewsMar 17
Illinois' $50 million primary experiment
Politics

Illinois' $50 million primary experiment

<div>Data: AdImpact; Chart: Axios Visuals</div><p>Democrats will learn whether money talks in 2026 in the Illinois Senate primary Tuesday in a race that will almost certainly determine who replaces Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is hoping the better-funded candidate emerges victorious in Illinois, just like in Texas this month, when state Rep.<a href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" target="_blank"> James Talarico</a> beat Rep. Jasmine Crockett, 52%–46%.</p><hr><ul><li>Krishnamoorthi has vastly outraised — and outspent — his two primary opponents: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly.</li></ul><p><strong>The intrigue:</strong> Two outsized presences have added a layer of intrigue to the race. Fairshake, a crypto PAC, has spent $7.7 million on TV ads, according to AdImpact. The group, which played big in 2024, is sitting on <a href="https://www.axios....

AxiosMar 13
Failure of a lifetime: Mom called 911 from kidnapper's car. It still didn't save her - USA Today
Civil Rights

Failure of a lifetime: Mom called 911 from kidnapper's car. It still didn't save her - USA Today

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitAFBVV95cUxONkJtbl9LTGlIN042SHFNbHUwTHVpUDVaMjFYbVpLRmJDNUVMWEM3VWNJb3VmTGdiSGxFRWswSnBEZk5FZC1PVE8zUllhUnNPNmE2R3lIblY3UzhpYUFGaWJEa1U4RjVQVVZhdFBIOWJNdWsyZGtRbFZxVmxheTdBclZ6RVpPbXJ2cVRlelVUU1otQUozNTB0Uzl4Z3pJcHRYQ3hyQm8ySFR0NGozM2pIc3NIdFQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Failure of a lifetime: Mom called 911 from kidnapper's car. It still didn't save her</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">USA Today</font>

USA TodayMar 14
In Illinois, Krishnamoorthi’s Indian American Heritage Shapes Bid
Politics

In Illinois, Krishnamoorthi’s Indian American Heritage Shapes Bid

On Tuesday, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi is looking to take a major step toward becoming only the second Indian American elected to the Senate.

New York TimesMar 16
Read Next
Trump’s $10 billion TikTok ‘brokerage fee’ is just the tip of the iceberg
Politics

Trump’s $10 billion TikTok ‘brokerage fee’ is just the tip of the iceberg

Not only is this pay-to-play arrangement with the federal government unprecedented; it also smacks of possible corruption.

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources