As the 2026 midterm elections draw closer, cryptocurrency policy and consumer protection are becoming increasingly central issues in the political arena. Lawmakers across the political spectrum are showing greater openness to blockchain technology, signaling a shift in how digital finance is viewed in Washington. At the center of this discussion is Laura Dunn, a civil rights attorney running for Congress in New York’s 12th District, who is positioning herself as a candidate focused on bringing modern financial policy into the legislative conversation.
The New York Stock Exchange has already taken steps into this future by launching a platform designed to trade and settle tokenized securities. Against that backdrop, Dunn’s campaign reflects a broader trend of political candidates adopting new financial technologies to connect with voters. She recently launched a crypto donation wallet in partnership with MoonPay, underscoring her effort to integrate the cryptocurrency ecosystem directly into her campaign operations.
Drawing on her background in civil rights law, Dunn has emphasized the need for guardrails as innovation accelerates. “Crypto has been around for over 15 years, yet Congress hasn’t sufficiently regulated it,” she said, pointing to widespread concerns about fraud and consumer safety following a series of high profile crypto scams. Dunn has framed her approach as one that balances innovation with accountability, appealing to voters who want technological progress without sacrificing protections.
Dunn has argued that proactive regulation is essential, urging lawmakers to clearly define the line between commodities and securities in the digital asset space. She has also stressed the importance of financial education, advocating for instruction that begins in K through 12 classrooms and continues through higher education. “We have people who don’t understand anything about crypto or blockchain, yet it’s changing every infrastructure in our society,” she said. In her view, closing that knowledge gap is critical to empowering consumers and building trust in emerging technologies.
She also outlined a broader vision for cryptocurrency that moves beyond traditional banking models. Crypto’s democratization allows us to create commodities among ourselves, separate from government control, Dunn explained. That perspective aligns with a growing segment of voters who are skeptical of centralized financial institutions and increasingly interested in decentralized alternatives. She argues that this ecosystem can support a wide range of communities and innovations, influencing personal finance, entrepreneurship, and even political participation.
As her campaign gains momentum, Dunn’s embrace of cryptocurrency reflects the priorities of a younger generation that values transparency, accountability, and forward looking policy. The growing use of digital wallets for everyday transactions among New Yorkers illustrates the cultural and financial shift she hopes to represent in Congress.
Overall, Dunn’s campaign blends her legal background with a focus on modern financial tools and consumer protection. By advocating for clear regulation, education, and responsible innovation, she is positioning herself as a candidate prepared to navigate the rapidly changing world of digital finance. As voters head to the polls, the debate over cryptocurrency policy and blockchain regulation is likely to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of both finance and technology.