Voters in Virginia's 11th congressional district are heading to the polls to fill the vacancy left by late Representative Gerry Connolly. The special election features Democrat James Walkinshaw and Republican Stewart Whitson. A significant factor in the race is the financial support from the cryptocurrency-backed political action committee (PAC), Protect Progress, which has contributed over $1 million to Walkinshaw's campaign. This election is seen as a potential shift in the balance of power within the U.S. House, with Democrats aiming to narrow the Republican majority. Although neither candidate has made strong statements regarding digital assets, the backing of the crypto PAC indicates the industry's growing influence in politics. The election could set a precedent for future PAC strategies in upcoming elections, especially following Fairshake’s previous successes in electing pro-crypto lawmakers. Should Walkinshaw win, it may impact legislative dynamics, making bipartisan cooperation necessary for passing future bills.

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