Senator Cynthia Lummis, the USA's most prominent crypto supporter in the Senate, announced on December 19 that she will not seek re-election in 2026.
The decision sets a clear deadline for her legislative work, giving her two years to pass regulations for digital assets before she leaves office in January 2027.
Lummis' upcoming retirement increases the pressure to legislate crypto laws.
Lummis pointed to the 'grueling' pace of the last sessions as the main reason for her resignation. 'I am a loyal legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon,' she wrote, admitting that she lacks the energy reserves for another six-year term.
Her upcoming departure adds immediate seriousness to the timeline for cryptocurrency regulation in Congress.
Lummis has been a key player behind several crucial cryptocurrency proposals, including a bill regarding market structure and the United States' national Bitcoin Strategic Reserve (SBR). Her efforts have also stood against the SEC's line of 'regulation through enforcement' under Gensler.
While the Trump administration has reversed several anti-crypto measures and promoted pro-crypto goals through executive orders, Senator Lummis has welcomed these steps.
However, she has regularly argued that lasting progress requires legislation, not just policies set by the president.
Thus, her final term will focus on bridging temporary presidential orders and permanent laws passed in Congress to protect the industry from future political upheavals.
'I look forward to putting all my energy into getting important legislation to [Trump's] desk in 2026 and to maintaining a healthy, sensible Republican majority in the Senate,' Lummis said.
At the same time, the announcement led to immediate positive feedback from major players in the industry. Some believed that her departure would create a leadership vacuum for crypto in Washington.
Collin McCune, head of state relations at a16z, highlighted her national influence and the role she has played in establishing cryptocurrency legislation.
'Senator Lummis fought for Wyoming every day for many years. Additionally, her leadership created space for innovators and builders across the country. Crypto would not be where it is today without her fight in Congress,' he added.
Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, provided a thorough reflection on Lummis's legacy, crediting her for making Wyoming the first jurisdiction to take a 'technically informed approach' to digital assets.
Sethi praised Lummis for promoting a framework that aligned with 'technical reality' rather than outdated assumptions. He believes this approach has contributed to operational predictability across the market, from Bitcoin to new 'memetic assets.'
'Senator Lummis's commitment to Bitcoin and digital assets has been grounded, patient, and long-term. Not for show. Not reactive. With a focus on competitiveness, resilience, and ensuring that the U.S. remains a place where open systems can be developed and operated responsibly,' Sethi stated.
