Headline: Longtime Bitcoin backer Sen. Cynthia Lummis won’t run in 2026 — but vows to press crypto legislation until the finish line Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wy.) — one of Congress’s most visible proponents of cryptocurrency lawmaking — announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, but said she will use the remainder of her Senate term to push major crypto bills across the finish line. In a post on X, Lummis called it “an incredible honor to represent Wyoming” and said her decision stems from exhaustion after consecutive demanding legislative sessions. “I am a devout legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon. The energy required doesn’t match up,” she wrote, framing the choice as personal rather than political and stressing that it does not signal any retreat from her pro-crypto commitments. Lummis signaled optimism about progress on high-profile crypto legislation, including the much-discussed U.S. crypto Market Structure Bill, posting that the measure is nearing completion. She said she will focus her remaining time on moving key bills to the president’s desk in 2026. Reactions from the crypto community were immediate. David Sacks, the White House’s AI and crypto advisor, praised Lummis as a “strong ally on cryptocurrency policy” and expressed regret at her decision. Industry figures such as Mario Nawfal, founder and CEO of the International Blockchain Consulting Group, thanked her for steady support of Bitcoin and crypto-friendly policies. The announcement also drew speculation and a few controversial takes on social media. Some commentators suggested unrelated political motives or raised conspiracy-tinged theories; these claims are unverified and framed as personal commentary rather than evidence-based reporting. Why it matters for crypto policy - Lummis has been a central figure in advocating clearer regulatory pathways for digital assets and in shaping Republican crypto policy. Her exit from a future Senate race removes a high-profile, institutional voice for pro-crypto legislation in the chamber. - That said, Lummis’ pledge to prioritize getting bills to the president’s desk means she remains an active player in the short term. Her efforts could be decisive for pending measures as lawmakers push to finalize market-structure and other crypto rules before the 2026 election cycle reshapes Congress. What to watch next - Movement on the Market Structure Bill and other Lummis-backed measures over the coming months. - How Republican and industry allies position themselves to fill the legislative gap she will leave on crypto issues. - Potential 2026 challengers and how gubernatorial- and Senate-level dynamics in crypto-friendly Wyoming evolve. Lummis’ decision is likely to reshape the crypto policy landscape — at least temporarily — but she’s made clear she intends to marshal her remaining influence to advance the framework many in the industry have been awaiting. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

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