Protect Progress

Adrian Boafo secured victory in the Maryland Democratic primary with substantial backing from Protect Progress, a super PAC associated with Fairshake, as reported in FEC filings.

Adrian Boafo won a crowded Democratic primary in Maryland with over $10 million in outside spending from crypto and pro-Israel groups. He defeated Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer endorsed by Nancy Pelosi, in a race for an open congressional seat left vacant by Steny Hoyer's retirement.

Adrian Boafo won a crowded Democratic primary in Maryland, supported by over $10 million in spending from crypto and pro-Israel groups. Harry Dunn, endorsed by Nancy Pelosi, lost the race despite his Capitol Police background and opposition to Trump.

Adrian Boafo won Maryland’s 5th District Democratic primary with $11 million in support from pro-Israel and crypto groups, securing Hoyer’s preferred successor. The race highlighted intraparty divisions over outside spending, with rivals and Sen. Chris Van Hollen criticizing the influence of interest groups.

Two U.S. House races in Maryland suburbs near Washington, D.C., are among the most expensive congressional primaries in U.S. history, with outside groups spending $12.5 million and candidates spending $10.5 million. Candidates express concern over excessive spending, noting voters are confused by the volume of ads and questioning the necessity of such high campaign costs.

A crypto super PAC previously aligned with Trump and Republicans has spent $300,000 supporting New York Rep. Ritchie Torres in his reelection primary. The Fellowship PAC, funded by Cantor Fitzgerald, is backing Torres, a House Financial Services Committee member and co-founder of the Congressional Crypto Caucus. The PAC has also endorsed Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham and Texas AG Ken Paxton.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen criticized AIPAC and crypto groups for spending millions to support Adrian Boafo in the race to replace Rep. Steny Hoyer. He accused the groups of trying to 'buy this congressional seat' and called for transparency in candidates' communications with such entities. Boafo, endorsed by Hoyer and others, faces scrutiny over undisclosed ties to pro-Israel and crypto interests.

AI companies, cryptocurrency industry groups, and pro-Israel organizations are spending significant funds to influence House primaries, targeting specific candidates with large expenditures. Examples include $8 million spent against GOP Rep. Thomas Massie and $5 million by Protect Progress in Texas to support Christian Menefee over Al Green.