Brad Sherman Faces Backlash Over Anti-Crypto Campaign Mailers in California Primary

California Congressman Brad Sherman is facing criticism from crypto advocates after a series of anti-crypto campaign mailers surfaced ahead of the Democratic primary in the state’s 32nd congressional district. The political dispute has intensified as Sherman targets challenger Jake Clevine using messaging tied to cryptocurrency and former President Donald Trump.

Superstate CEO Robert Leshner publicly criticized Sherman on X, accusing the longtime congressman of escalating attacks against the crypto industry. Leshner described Sherman as one of the most anti-crypto lawmakers in Congress and claimed the congressman is attempting to protect his political seat by portraying digital assets negatively. He also noted that no major crypto PAC funding has entered the race so far, despite Sherman’s repeated focus on cryptocurrency in campaign materials.

Several campaign mailers reportedly connect cryptocurrency to corruption and political influence. One flyer features Donald Trump holding a large Bitcoin symbol while claiming the crypto industry spent more than $700 million during recent U.S. elections. Another campaign message urges voters to reject both Trump and cryptocurrency, while highlighting Sherman’s endorsements from labor unions and Democratic organizations.

A separate comic-style mailer allegedly compares misinformation about Sherman to conspiracy theories, stating that “Trump and his cryptocurrency cronies” will say anything to defeat him. The aggressive messaging has sparked debate across the crypto community and political circles.

Some analysts believe the race is more about Sherman securing his congressional seat than cryptocurrency itself. Former Citibank analyst Tushant Suneja argued that the campaign strategy reflects political defense rather than direct opposition to digital assets. However, Leshner rejected that claim, emphasizing that Sherman has already distributed multiple crypto-focused attack mailers.

Journalist Eleanor Terrett noted that this is one of the first times cryptocurrency has become a direct attack point in a 2026 election cycle. Meanwhile, Jake Clevine has reportedly received support from several crypto-friendly donors as California voters prepare for the June 2 Democratic primary.