Ripple Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz has made a personal donation in XRP to John Deaton's U.S. Senate campaign, the latest sign of the crypto industry's effort to influence the Massachusetts race. Schwartz confirmed the contribution via a tweet on May 16, 2026, noting the funds came from his own wallet, not from a corporate political action committee. Deaton, a pro-crypto lawyer who represented XRP holders during the SEC's lawsuit against Ripple, is challenging incumbent Senator Elizabeth Warren, a vocal critic of the crypto industry.
A personal donation, not a PAC move
Schwartz was careful to distinguish his contribution from Ripple's institutional political spending. The company has pledged $25 million to Fairshake, a pro-crypto super PAC. But Schwartz's donation falls under individual contribution limits set by the Federal Election Commission. Personal donations must be reported, making the transaction public. The move gives Deaton's campaign a direct link to one of the most recognizable figures in crypto.
Deaton's crypto credentials
Deaton first gained prominence in the crypto world during the SEC v. Ripple lawsuit, where he filed amicus briefs on behalf of XRP holders. He has positioned himself as a defender of retail investors against regulatory overreach. His Senate bid against Warren has become a focal point for the industry, which sees the Massachusetts Democrat as a threat to crypto innovation.
Ripple's $25M bet on Fairshake
Ripple's corporate commitment to Fairshake is one of the largest direct political investments by a crypto company this election cycle. The super PAC has been backing candidates who support clear crypto regulations. Schwartz's personal donation, while smaller in scale, serves a similar purpose: boosting a candidate who understands the technology and its legal challenges.
Warren fires back
Warren hasn't held back. On May 14, she said the crypto Clarity Act would 'blow up the economy,' a statement that drew sharp reactions from industry advocates. The bill, which aims to provide regulatory clarity for digital assets, has become a flashpoint in the Massachusetts Senate race. Warren's criticism aligns with her broader stance that crypto poses risks to consumers and financial stability.
The election is months away, and the crypto industry is pouring resources into unseating Warren. Deaton's campaign will disclose Schwartz's donation in its next FEC filing. For now, the race is shaping up as a proxy battle over the future of crypto regulation in the U.S.
