As New Jersey prepares for its 2025 gubernatorial election, the growing influence of the crypto industry is beginning to shape political discourse across party lines. Just days ahead of the state’s party primaries, candidates are increasingly courting a bloc of crypto-aware voters who may prove pivotal in a tight race.
On June 5, three gubernatorial contenders—Democrats Steven Fulop and Josh Gottheimer, and Republican Bill Spadea—addressed a crypto-focused rally hosted by Stand With Crypto, a digital asset advocacy group mobilizing political engagement among blockchain supporters. The event occurred as more than 300,000 early ballots had already been submitted, according to local reports.
Steven Fulop, the Democratic front-runner and mayor of Jersey City, emphasized crypto’s transformative potential on the global financial system.
“I believe—and the [state pension] board believes—that cryptocurrency is an important part of the future of this country and the economic system of the world,” Fulop told attendees.
The rally underscored a broader trend: digital asset policy is no longer a fringe issue but a mainstream talking point in American politics. As crypto regulation emerges as a litmus test for innovation-focused leadership, candidates’ stances may influence not only primary results but the shape of U.S. economic policy in years to come.
Crypto Voters Poised to Sway Tight New Jersey Race
With the New Jersey gubernatorial contest shaping up to be one of the closest in the nation, crypto voters are emerging as a potentially decisive force. According to Stand With Crypto, over 60,000 of its registered members reside in the state—enough to meaningfully influence both the June 10 primaries and the general election in November.
Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer and Republican candidate Bill Spadea—best known as a conservative radio host—joined Fulop at the rally in an effort to win over this increasingly vocal demographic.
Spadea voiced firm support for blockchain’s broader applications:
“I support crypto,” he said.
“But more importantly, I support the broader potential of blockchain to reform how our government operates.”
With Governor Phil Murphy term-limited after two terms, the race remains wide open. What once seemed like a niche voter bloc may now prove strategically essential to any candidate hoping to edge out a win in a high-stakes battleground state.
Crypto PACs Could Tip the Scales by November
As the New Jersey primary draws near, speculation is mounting that crypto-backed funding could ultimately sway the race—especially given the digital asset industry’s growing involvement in U.S. politics.
While no public records confirm crypto PAC donations to Bill Spadea, Josh Gottheimer, or Steven Fulop in the lead-up to the June primaries, industry players are keeping a close watch. Stand With Crypto, which launched its own political action committee (PAC) in May 2024, confirmed it has not yet financially backed any New Jersey candidate—but hasn’t ruled it out before November.
Notably, Gottheimer has already enjoyed support from crypto-aligned groups during his congressional bid earlier this year. According to FEC records, PACs Fairshake and Protect Progress spent over $240,000 supporting his campaign. Individual donations also came from crypto heavyweights like Gemini’s Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.
With crypto legislation set to be a key national issue in 2025, New Jersey’s gubernatorial race could become a testing ground for the industry’s political influence. The November general election may see increased PAC involvement, particularly as crypto advocates seek allies in key swing states.
Quick Facts
- Three gubernatorial candidates—Fulop, Gottheimer, and Spadea—spoke at a Stand With Crypto rally on June 5.
- Over 60,000 crypto-aligned voters are registered with Stand With Crypto in New Jersey.
- The group’s PAC has not yet endorsed or funded any candidate in the state.
- Gottheimer previously received $240,000+ in support from crypto PACs during his congressional campaign.
- The New Jersey primary election takes place on June 10, with the general election set for November 2025.
