Senator Cynthia Lummis Will Not Seek Reelection, Crypto Industry Expresses Regret

US Senator Cynthia Lummis, a prominent advocate for cryptocurrency regulation, announced Friday that she will not seek reelection in 2026, drawing expressions of regret from across the digital assets industry.

Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, has been instrumental in shaping US crypto policy over recent years. She championed the Responsible Financial Innovation Act and the ongoing US Clarity Act, both aimed at establishing regulatory clarity for digital assets. She was also a vocal critic of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler's enforcement-heavy approach to crypto regulation.

Industry leaders responded with tributes on social media. Collin McCune, head of government affairs at venture capital firm a16z, stated that "crypto would not be where it is today without her fight in the Congress." White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks called Lummis "a great ally on crypto" and said he was "very sorry to see her go."

In her announcement, which garnered nearly 1 million views, Lummis explained she felt like "a sprinter in a marathon" and did not have "six more years" of legislative energy remaining.

Despite her departure, industry figures emphasized that policy work continues, with Multicoin managing partner Kyle Samani noting that "jobs not done" and legislation remains pending for 2026.