Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and billionaire Elon Musk are trying to unseat Sen. Elizabeth Warren from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, says pro-crypto lawyer John Deaton. joins a growing list of celebrities who support .
On October 21, Armstrong took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to appeal to crypto holders in Massachusetts to support Deaton. He criticized Warren's role in appointing Gary Gensler as SEC chairman and accused her of supporting efforts to dismantle the U.S. cryptocurrency industry.
He wrote:
“Cryptocurrency holders in Massachusetts should be aware that it was Sen Warren who gave Gary Gensler the job and encouraged him to (illegally) destroy the U.S. cryptocurrency industry.”
Armstrong also described Warren as a champion of tight government control and called her “anti-freedom.” He added:
“She is an anti-liberal and believes that the government should run all financial services (like China), which is doing great harm to this country.”
Shortly after Armstrong's statement, Musk expressed his support for Deaton in a short but to the point “Yes” post to the Coinbase CEO. Musk's endorsement is consistent with his pro-crypto stance and support for other crypto-friendly figures, such as presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Deaton encryption support
Armstrong and Musk's endorsements are the latest in a wave of support for Deaton's Senate campaign. Earlier this year, Ripple donated $1 million to Deaton's campaign through a political action committee called the Commonwealth Unity Fund.
Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss also appealed to Massachusetts voters to support Deaton, citing Warren's harmful actions toward the crypto industry. In July, Gemini founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss donated $1 million to a super PAC supporting Deaton.
Other notable figures in the crypto world have also endorsed Deaton, including Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. They see him as a key figure in defending the crypto industry from what they call Warren's “anti-crypto movement.”
Over the years, Deaton has built a strong reputation for his involvement in Ripple XRP, establishing himself as a staunch defender of the crypto sector. His challenge to Warren, one of the most vocal opponents of cryptocurrencies in Congress, has made her the preferred candidate for many in the industry.
Meanwhile, Sen. Warren has criticized Deaton for having deep ties to the cryptocurrency industry. In a recent debate, she said:
“80% of Mr. Deaton's wealth is tied up in cryptocurrencies, 90% of his campaign funds come from cryptocurrencies, and his loyalty in Washington is 100% to cryptocurrencies. That's corruption. ”
Despite Deaton's strong support from the crypto community, a recent poll from earlier this month showed Warren leading Deaton 56% to 34%.
