James Baird wins Indiana primary as crypto PAC-linked group funds ads

According to NBC News reported on May 7, U.S. Representative James Baird won re-election with more than 60% of the vote in the May 6 Republican primary in Indiana’s 4th congressional district. Based on filings with the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC), a political action committee (PAC) associated with Fairshake spent $514,000 on advertising for Baird in the primary.

Primary results: Vote share and candidate background

According to an NBC News report, Baird won the Indiana’s 4th congressional district Republican primary with more than 60% of the vote, with his main rival being Craig Haggard. Baird has been a member of the House of Representatives since January 2019. During his tenure, legislation he supported includes the GENIUS stablecoin bill and the market structure bill, the CLARITY Act.

According to NBC News, after winning the primary, Baird publicly thanked Trump for his endorsement.

Fairshake and related PACs: FEC filing data

According to filings with the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC), Defend American Jobs PAC spent about $514,000 on advertising for Baird in this primary. FEC data shows that Defend American Jobs PAC is affiliated with Fairshake. Fairshake is a super political action committee funded by crypto firms including Coinbase and Ripple Labs, and it has already invested more than $130 million in the 2024 U.S. elections.

A Fairshake spokesperson told Cointelegraph before the primary: “Representative Baird has been a steadfast leader in Congress supporting pro-employment, pro-consumer, and pro-innovation policies. We’re proud to support leaders committed to responsible regulation and ensuring America continues to lead global innovation.”

Based on FEC filings, Fairshake held $193 million as of January 2026. As of May 7, 2026 (Wednesday), Fairshake and related groups have spent about $10 million on campaign advertising in competitive races in Illinois and Texas in 2026.

CLARITY Act legislative progress: Stablecoin provisions text confirmed

According to Cointelegraph, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks announced last week that the final confirmation of the CLARITY Act bill text was completed, including a compromise provision on stablecoin yield. The issue is a core focus for both the banking industry and the crypto industry.

As of May 7, 2026 (Wednesday), the Senate Committee on Banking has not scheduled a time to review the CLARITY Act.

Frequently asked questions

What is the relationship between Defend American Jobs PAC and Fairshake?

According to filings with the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC), Defend American Jobs PAC is affiliated with Fairshake. Fairshake is a super political action committee supported by crypto companies including Coinbase and Ripple Labs, and has invested more than $130 million in the 2024 U.S. elections. In this primary, Defend American Jobs PAC spent about $514,000 on advertising for Baird.

Which crypto-related legislative proposals does James Baird support?

According to NBC News, legislation Baird supported during his tenure includes the GENIUS stablecoin bill and the market structure bill, the CLARITY Act.

What is the current legislative progress of the CLARITY Act?

According to Cointelegraph, Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks have completed the final confirmation of the CLARITY Act text, including a compromise provision on stablecoin yield. As of May 7, 2026, the Senate Committee on Banking has not scheduled a time to review the bill.