Crypto's Washington Playbook Is Working: Why the Industry Must Stick With It Through 2028

Colin McLaren of the Solana Policy Institute argues that the cryptocurrency industry's lobbying and advocacy strategy in Washington is proving effective, and now is not the time to abandon it. Regardless of the midterm election outcomes or which party wins the presidency in 2028, McLaren says the industry must stay the course. The playbook—centered on direct engagement, coalition building, and clear policy education—has already yielded tangible results, including more crypto-friendly legislation and regulatory clarity. McLaren warns that pulling back now would cede ground to critics and risk losing hard-won momentum. With billions of dollars and millions of American users at stake, consistent advocacy is critical to securing a favorable regulatory environment. The next election cycle will test the industry's resolve, but McLaren believes the path forward is clear: double down on the strategy that has brought crypto from the fringes to the center of financial policy debates.