Steven Kinard, the director of Bitcoin mining analytics at the Texas Blockchain Council, a crypto advocacy group, has announced his candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives.
Kinard revealed his plans on July 11, stating his intention to seek the Republican Party nomination for Texas House District 70 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
If elected, he would serve a two-year term starting in 2025. Prior to joining the Texas Blockchain Council in March 2022, Kinard had worked for approximately three years at BOK Financial.
In his campaign, Kinard expressed his commitment to promoting “digital freedom” and advocating for “strategic technology investments.”
He is expected to compete against the incumbent Democratic Representative, Mihaela Plesa, who has been serving in the Texas House since 2023.
One of Kinard’s key points of criticism is directed at the Federal Reserve for its attempts to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which he considers a reckless move.
This sentiment aligns with that of other Republican lawmakers, including Florida governor and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis.
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Kinard’s campaign website states his intention to actively resist and prevent any research into CBDCs.
Texas, particularly the capital city of Austin, has emerged as a significant hub for cryptocurrency mining activity, especially after the departure of many miners from China.
While a bill aimed at limiting incentives for crypto miners was passed by the Texas State Senate in April, the government has also shown support for incorporating crypto into the state’s Bill of Rights.
Governor Greg Abbott has openly identified himself as a supporter of crypto law proposals.
As the 2024 United States primaries approach in the following months, the crypto and blockchain industry has become a prominent issue for many voters.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has urged crypto users to support pro-crypto candidates in all 435 U.S. congressional districts, emphasizing the importance of electing officials who understand and advocate for effective legislation to regulate digital assets.
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