Chris Larsen, co-founder and executive chairman of Ripple, has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for her 2024 presidential bid. Larsen signed a letter alongside 88 other corporate leaders endorsing Harris. This letter, reported by CNBC on September 6, includes prominent figures such as Box CEO Aaron Levie, Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman, Snap chairman Michael Lynton, and former 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch.
The support from Larsen and other business executives signals growing engagement from tech and cryptocurrency sectors in the political process. While the endorsement doesn’t solely focus on crypto, the involvement of leaders from the crypto world is noticeable as the industry continues to grow its influence in politics.
Gene Sperling Joins Harris’ Campaign
In addition to Larsen’s endorsement, Gene Sperling, a former Ripple board member, has also joined Harris’ campaign. Sperling, an economic adviser under multiple U.S. administrations, including Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, recently left his position at the White House in August to work with Harris. His departure signals an increasing number of individuals with a background in crypto taking part in major political campaigns.
David Plouffe, a former adviser to Binance and the crypto payments company Alchemy Pay, has also joined Harris’ 2024 campaign team, further showcasing the growing relevance of crypto-experienced advisers in U.S. politics.
Ripple CLO Urges VP Kamala Harris to End SEC’s Crypto War
Impact on the Crypto Industry
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has suggested that the 2024 presidential election could have a notable impact on the crypto industry. Garlinghouse reportedly predicted that U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler will step down, regardless of the outcome of the election. While it’s unclear how this may affect the regulations, it’s evident that both Harris and her competitors are becoming increasingly involved with the crypto community.
