Chris Larsen Criticizes Fairshake as Ripple Reconsiders PAC Funding

Ripple co-founder and Chair Chris Larsen criticized Fairshake’s planned spending against Ohio Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown as the company weighs whether to continue supporting the crypto-focused super PAC.

Fairshake announced plans last month to spend $30 million against Brown. Within days, Larsen personally donated $4 million to Brown’s campaign, saying Brown does not oppose the crypto industry.

Larsen has contributed at least $22.5 million to federal candidates and Fairshake during the current election cycle. Ripple has donated $93 million to Fairshake overall, including $48 million during this cycle.

The dispute adds to political tensions around Fairshake’s campaign strategy. Earlier crypto-backed spending against Brown placed the Ohio Senate race at the center of the industry’s efforts to influence U.S. elections.

A Ripple spokesperson said Larsen and CEO Brad Garlinghouse are evaluating whether the company should continue funding Fairshake. Garlinghouse will make the final decision.

Garlinghouse also said Ripple and the broader crypto industry should reassess how they participate in Washington. No decision has been made, and Ripple has not stopped supporting Fairshake.