The cryptocurrency industry is aggressively financing pro-crypto candidates in the 2026 election cycle to build legislative support in Washington. On June 16, Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Barry Moore won the Republican primary runoff for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat. Moore secured 55.8% of the vote to defeat former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, who received 44.2%.
The Associated Press called the race, reporting Moore was heavily backed by “Defend American Jobs,” a pro-cryptocurrency super PAC. The political action committee poured $12.1 million into securing his nomination. The group spent $7.4 million on the initial primary and allocated $4.7 million for the final runoff push. Moore advances to the general election as he campaigns to succeed Tommy Tuberville, who is stepping down to run for governor.
The runoff election occurred because no candidate secured over 50% of the vote during the initial May 19 primary. In that contest, Moore secured 39.2%, Hudson won 25.6%, and Attorney General Steve Marshall took 24.5%. Hudson framed his campaign as a grassroots movement fighting Washington money, directly challenging the outside PAC spending supporting Moore. The Club for Growth also actively purchased ad space to defend Moore against attacks on his military service record.
Moore’s general election bid opens the possibility that Alabama could have two U.S. Senators, Moore and Katie Britt, who hail from the exact same hometown and high school in Enterprise, Alabama.
What Barry Moore’s Nomination Means for the American Reserve Modernization Act
Moore’s victory in the primary directly advances specific pro-crypto legislative agendas in the Senate. He is an active sponsor of the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026. This recently introduced bill is designed to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the federal government.
The injection of over $12 million by a single digital asset PAC into a state-level primary demonstrates a focused capital allocation strategy by the cryptocurrency sector. Industry groups are actively financing candidates who support favorable regulatory frameworks ahead of the November general election.