The bitcoin industry rallied behind US Senator Cynthia Lummis after she announced on Friday that she will not seek reelection in 2026.

Supporters credited Lummis with shaping Washington’s bitcoin policy debate over recent years.

A16z head of government affairs Collin McCune wrote on X that bitcoin:

“Would not be where it is today without her fight in the Congress.”

Praise from industry and the White House

Multicoin general partner Greg Xethalis said Lummis’ priorities advanced because:

“Sometimes it takes a cattle rancher like Sen Lummis to drive good policy.”

Lummis has criticized former SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s regulation-by-enforcement approach.

She has also backed the Responsible Financial Innovation Act and the ongoing US Clarity Act, both aimed at providing clearer rules for digital assets.

White House AI and bitcoin czar David Sacks called her “a great ally on crypto,” adding he was “very sorry to see her go.”

Lummis explains why she is stepping aside

In her announcement, which neared 1 million views on X, Lummis said she did not have “six more years” in her.

Lummis said:

“I am a devout legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon. The energy required doesn’t match up.”

‘Jobs not done’ on 2026 legislation

Multicoin managing partner Kyle Samani said policy efforts will continue despite her decision.

He wrote on X:

“Job is not done. We have legislation to pass in 2026.”

Lummis’ announcement came a day after Sacks said Congress could move as early as January on the highly anticipated US Clarity Act.