Florida's 2026 gubernatorial race has its first crypto-accepting campaign. Independent candidate Frank J. Russo announced on July 7, via a Miami-issued press release distributed by PRNewswire, that his operation now accepts cryptocurrency contributions. His campaign characterized the move as part of a goal to position Florida as a national center for blockchain innovation.
What the announcement says and does not say
The release establishes the crypto donation policy but supplies no operational detail. The campaign disclosed neither which cryptocurrencies it accepts nor any contribution totals or dollar-value figures. The first-mover claim rests on the field as it stood on July 7, with the 2026 race still forming.
Russo's platform position
Russo is running as an independent, outside Florida's major-party primary structures. He has stated a goal of making Florida a hub for blockchain development at the national level. The campaign frames the donation policy as consistent with that position. No supporting policy specifics or institutional arrangements appeared in the July 7 release.