Bitcoin Advocate Ian Calderon Announces Gubernatorial Campaign in California
On September 23, Ian Calderon declared his intention to run for Governor of California, vowing to incorporate Bitcoin into the state’s financial framework if elected. Nonetheless, doubts persist among members of the Bitcoin community.
Summary
- Calderon has been a staunch advocate for cryptocurrency and Bitcoin during his tenure in the California legislature.
- He is working to appeal to both Republican and Democratic voters.
- His campaign launch for governor received mixed feedback from the cryptocurrency community.
Who is Calderon?
Calderon, a member of the Democratic Party, faced backlash last week for his supportive stance on crypto, with some critics branding his Bitcoin pledge as a marketing ploy. On the other hand, many view his candidacy as a symbol of increasing bipartisan backing for Bitcoin.
Having served three terms in the California Legislature before resigning in 2020, Calderon is notable for being the first millennial legislator and the youngest majority leader in the history of the California State Assembly.
His initiatives concerning Bitcoin include efforts to establish clearer legal guidelines for cryptocurrencies. Notably, he was the author of the 2018 bill AB 2658, which created California’s Blockchain Working Group to investigate blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, collaborating with lawmakers to define their legal implications and evaluate associated risks.
During the period from 2020 to 2022, he was integral to the Blockchain Working Group’s roadmap and initiated legislative efforts to designate Bitcoin as legal tender in California.
Calderon described this bill as potentially transformative legislation for the nation, stating in 2022:
“It’s essential that we make this effort in California due to the national consequences. The goal is to create model legislation that can be implemented throughout the U.S.”
However, it’s notable that despite Calderon’s claims regarding Bitcoin as legal tender, the bill does not specifically reference “Bitcoin” or “cryptocurrency,” but uses a more ambiguous term, “virtual currency,” aimed at transactions. Calderon suggested pilot programs to clarify the bill’s legal ambiguity for local governments, but progress has been minimal since November 2022.
Calderon’s Platform
Along with his announcement, Calderon released a video outlining the issues he plans to tackle as governor, including rising gas prices, grocery costs, and a housing crisis:
“Expensive childcare, stagnant wages amidst soaring living costs, the highest gas prices in the country, and an unattainable housing market.”
Calderon also highlighted that a significant number of homes in California are owned by corporations and foreign entities, making it difficult for local families to achieve home ownership.
Identifying as a Democrat who values practical solutions, he frequently diverges from party norms. A comprehensive list of his initiatives is available on his campaign’s website, Ian For Governor.
While he only briefly mentioned Bitcoin in his video, he took to X on the day of his announcement to underscore the importance of positioning California as a leader in Bitcoin innovation.
Reaction
Long-time advocate Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Act Fund, built up excitement among his 200,000 followers in anticipation of the announcement.
When it was revealed that Calderon was running for governor, many followers expressed disappointment, feeling the announcement did not meet their expectations.
Some critics likened the Democrats to being anti-crypto and questioned Calderon’s genuine support for Bitcoin.
Several followers seemed unaware of Calderon’s history as a Bitcoin supporter, ignoring the fact that significant bipartisan legislation regarding cryptocurrency emerged in 2025.
Other critics referred to Calderon’s uncles, Ron and Tom, who have faced controversies in California politics due to corruption allegations in 2016.
Negative sentiments stemming from Porter’s announcement quickly spread across the comments sections of Calderon’s and several crypto influencers’ posts.
This included responses from Scott Melker, host of The Wolf of All Streets podcast, and Wendy O, who hosts the popular female-focused Bitcoin YouTube show “The O Show.” While some supported Calderon, they cautioned him to reconsider his affiliation with Porter.
Nevertheless, many welcomed the emergence of a pro-Bitcoin candidate from the Democratic Party, hoping Calderon could counteract fellow Democrats who oppose Bitcoin.
Competition
The campaign for the governor’s seat in 2026 is already intensifying. Calderon faces rivals such as Congresswoman Katie Porter from the Democratic Party and Republican commentator Steve Hilton.
With Election Day scheduled for November 5, it will be fascinating to observe how Calderon’s campaign develops, though the effect of his candidacy remains unclear.