In a bold move signaling his commitment to cryptocurrency, former California Assembly majority leader Ian Calderon has officially entered the gubernatorial race, spotlighting Bitcoin as a central element of his campaign. In a video shared on September 23 via X, Calderon remarked, “My generation pays bills on our phones, we send money to each other with Venmo and we save in Bitcoin,” emphasizing the disconnect between modern financial practices and the outdated approaches of current government leaders.
Calderon, who served in the state assembly from 2012 to 2020, expressed a desire for California to reclaim its status as a technology leader. “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,” he stated. This idea was further reinforced in a follow-up post where he pledged to establish a California Bitcoin reserve if elected.
While Calderon’s advocacy for Bitcoin may resonate with a younger demographic, he is not new to the cryptocurrency space. His proactive approach to blockchain technology began years ago with the introduction of the 2018 law that established the California Blockchain Working Group. This initiative was aimed at examining the applications, risks, and advantages of blockchain technology for state governance and local businesses. In subsequent years, he contributed to developments from this working group and collaborated with the Bitcoin advocacy group Satoshi Action Fund to investigate making Bitcoin legal tender within California.
Despite his enthusiasm for Bitcoin, Calderon faces a daunting challenge as he steps into a crowded field of candidates vying for the governor’s office. Recent polling from Emerson College suggests a competitive landscape, with former Congresswoman Katie Porter and political commentator Steve Hilton leading the pack, alongside Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Other notable candidates include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, ex-California State Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
As the election approaches, Calderon’s focus on cryptocurrency positions him as a unique contender, yet he remains a relatively fringe candidate amid a roster of experienced political figures. His campaign will likely hinge on the growing interest in digital currencies and the evolving landscape of financial technology in California.
