Meet the Anti-Trump Crypto Developer Running for Congress in Virginia
Joe Schiarizzi, a longtime Ethereum developer, has launched a Democratic campaign for Virginia’s 7th congressional district, potentially becoming the first crypto developer in Congress. Schiarizzi, a critic of President Trump and current pro-crypto lawmakers, argues that cryptocurrency’s original purpose was to empower everyday people, not corporate interests or political self-enrichment. He previously worked at Consensys, Gitcoin, and OpenSea, and advocates for decentralized technology to support causes like renewable energy funding and private healthcare payments on the blockchain. Schiarizzi criticizes fellow politicians for catering to large crypto PACs without understanding the technology’s benefits for society. If elected, he aims to support smaller crypto projects, simplify tax rules, allow new forms of stablecoin reserves such as municipal bonds, and expand America’s housing supply. Schiarizzi faces significant competition in the Democratic primary but distinguishes himself by accepting campaign donations in various cryptocurrencies.
