Former California Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon has officially launched his campaign for governor, positioning Bitcoin as a central pillar of his political agenda. In a bold declaration, Calderon emphasized the need for California to resume its leadership role in technology by embracing Bitcoin. He expressed this commitment through social media, stating, “California has always been a leader on technology. It’s time for us to get back to our roots and make California the undisputed leader on Bitcoin.”
Calderon, a Democrat, highlighted his previous legislative efforts to advance blockchain policy, including his authorship of AB 2658, which initiated California’s Blockchain Working Group. This forum has been instrumental in evaluating the potential uses and implications of blockchain technology for state governance and the private sector.
In a recent livestream, the former Assembly leader outlined his vision for the state’s fiscal future, asserting that if elected, he would ensure that California holds Bitcoin on its balance sheet and supports crypto payments for various state programs. He aimed to contrast his modern approach with what he sees as outdated practices. “My generation pays bills on our phones, we send money to each other with Venmo and we save in Bitcoin,” he remarked, criticizing current political leaders for relying on antiquated solutions to contemporary challenges.
Calderon’s advocacy for cryptocurrency is bolstered by his ongoing participation in the policy landscape, including collaboration with organizations like the Satoshi Action Fund, which explored the possibility of designating Bitcoin as legal tender in California. His proposals align with a broader trend, as noted by Robert Boris Mofrad, co-founder of Serenity, who remarked on the emergence of pro-crypto platforms among political candidates, affirming that these issues have become integral to political discourse.
However, Calderon’s ambitions face scrutiny regarding feasibility. Current legislative efforts, such as AB 1180 and AB 1052, which aim to introduce limited crypto applications within state operations, do not extend to allowing the state to directly hold Bitcoin. AB 1180 would enable some state agencies to run pilot programs for stablecoin payments starting in 2026, while AB 1052 seeks to integrate cryptocurrency into California’s unclaimed property regulations. Both bills nevertheless stop short of endorsing Calderon’s broader vision.
Mofrad acknowledged Calderon’s stance as “ambitious and daring,” particularly given California’s status as one of the world’s largest economies. He pointed out that government entities traditionally treat Bitcoin as an intangible asset, complicating the responsible management of state treasury funds, especially since recording losses but not gains poses unique challenges.
Calderon’s initiative comes at a time when California’s political landscape is becoming increasingly open to discussions surrounding cryptocurrency, signaling a shift that could impact future policies and economic strategies in the state. As the campaign progresses, it will be interesting to observe how Calderon’s Bitcoin-centric agenda resonates with voters and whether it garners broader acceptance among policymakers.
