Senator Cynthia Lummis, the most prominent advocate for cryptocurrencies in the U.S. Senate, announced on December 19 that she will not seek re-election in 2026.
With this decision, she has two more years to implement legislation regarding digital assets before she steps down from her position in January 2027.
Upcoming retirement of Lummis increases pressure to codify crypto laws.
Lummis indicated that the "exhausting" pace of recent years is the main reason for her to step down. "I am a dedicated legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon," she wrote. She admits that she doesn't have enough energy for another six-year term.
Her upcoming departure directly creates more urgency within crypto legislation.
Lummis played a significant role in several important crypto bills, such as the crypto market structure proposal and the U.S. Bitcoin Strategic Reserve (SBR). She also opposed the SEC's policies under Gensler, which aim to enforce primarily through lawsuits.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has rolled back various anti-crypto measures and taken positive crypto steps through presidential decisions, which Lummis has welcomed.
Yet she has always stated that real progress is only possible if the laws themselves change, and not just through temporary measures from the government.
Therefore, she wants to focus in her final term on bridging the gap between temporary presidential decisions and lasting legislation in Congress, so that the sector remains protected as the political climate changes.
"I look forward to putting all my energy into bringing important legislation to [Trump's] desk in 2026 and helping to maintain the Republican majority in the Senate," said Lummis.
Meanwhile, Lummis's announcement received immediate praise from major names in the sector. Some believe that her departure leaves a significant gap in crypto leadership in Washington.
Collin McCune, head of Government Affairs at a16z, emphasized her national influence and called her important for the progress on crypto legislation.
"Senator Lummis has dedicated herself daily to Wyoming for years. Her leadership provided space for innovators and builders across the country. Crypto would not be where it is now without her work in Congress," he added.
Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of crypto exchange Kraken, provided a comprehensive overview of her legacy. He thanked her for making Wyoming the first region with a 'technically grounded approach' to digital assets.
Sethi praised Lummis for advocating legislation that aligns with the 'technical reality' rather than outdated assumptions. According to him, such an approach provides clarity and certainty in the markets, from Bitcoin to emerging 'memetic assets.'
"Senator Lummis's support for Bitcoin and digital assets was pragmatic, patient, and long-term. Not for show. Not in response. Focused on competitiveness, resilience, and ensuring that the United States remains a place where open systems can be responsibly built and used," said Sethi.
