- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has publicly backed John Deaton in his bid against Senator Elizabeth Warren.
- Deaton is a strong pro-crypto advocate; Warren has criticized him on several fronts.
- Ripple has supported Deaton’s campaign while also contributing to efforts favoring Vice President Kamala Harris.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has announced his support for Republican candidate John Deaton as Deaton challenges incumbent Senator Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts.
In a post on X dated October 22, Garlinghouse said he “enthusiastically and wholeheartedly” supports Deaton, praising his work advocating for XRP holders and the broader cryptocurrency industry.
Ripple backs Deaton in contest with Warren
John Deaton, a well-known attorney and outspoken crypto supporter, has positioned himself as a challenger to Senator Warren, who is among the most vocal critics of the cryptocurrency industry.
Garlinghouse’s endorsement follows substantial contributions from Ripple to Deaton’s campaign. At the same time, Ripple has also made a high-profile donation of XRP—valued at $11 million—to a political action committee supporting presidential candidate Kamala Harris, highlighting the company’s engagement across the political spectrum.
Notably, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen recently voiced support for Harris, while both Larsen and Ripple’s chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty have also donated to Deaton’s Senate bid. In addition, Ripple is a major donor to the Commonwealth Unity Fund PAC, which has run media campaigns backing Deaton and criticizing Senator Warren.
Clash over digital asset policy
Cryptocurrency regulation has become a central issue in the Senate race, with Deaton and Warren clashing over digital asset policy during recent debates. Warren has accused Deaton of prioritizing the interests of the crypto industry over other pressing matters such as immigration and the economy.
Warren has argued that Deaton’s campaign is heavily influenced by crypto interests, asserting that “100% of his loyalty in Washington will be to crypto.” Deaton, in turn, has criticized Warren for what he sees as an excessive focus on crypto regulation while neglecting other urgent problems. Both Warren and Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler have been among the most prominent critics of cryptocurrencies within the U.S. government.
With less than two weeks to go before the election, Warren holds a significant lead in most polls. Still, Garlinghouse’s endorsement of Deaton underscores the growing role that cryptocurrency policy plays in high-profile political contests.