Former Coinbase Lawyer Khurram Dara Launches Campaign for New York Attorney General
Khurram Dara, a former political lawyer at cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, has officially launched his campaign for New York attorney general, citing his “regulatory and policy experience, particularly in the crypto and fintech space” as a key reason for his bid. Dara’s announcement comes after months of speculation, with the former Coinbase lawyer hinting at a possible run since August. He has been critical of current Attorney General Letitia James, accusing her of engaging in “lawfare” against the crypto industry in New York.
Until July, Dara was the head of regulation and policy at Bain Capital Crypto, the investment firm’s digital assets division. His experience in the crypto industry also includes stints as Coinbase’s policy counsel and employment at crypto companies Fluidity and Airswap. Dara’s campaign is seen as a significant challenge to James, who has been a vocal critic of the crypto industry and has filed lawsuits against several companies, including Genesis, KuCoin, and NovaTech.
The Crypto Industry’s Growing Presence in Politics
Dara’s campaign is not the only example of the crypto industry’s growing presence in politics. John Deaton, a lawyer who represented XRP holders in the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple, has also announced his candidacy for office. Deaton, who ran against Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2024, will attempt to unseat Senator Ed Markey in 2026. Both Dara and Deaton will face significant challenges in their respective races, with Democrats holding a strong advantage in New York and Massachusetts.
Crypto and Fintech Expertise
Dara’s experience in the crypto and fintech space is seen as a key asset in his campaign. As a former regulator and policy expert, he has a deep understanding of the complex issues facing the industry. His campaign has also highlighted the need for greater clarity and regulatory certainty in the crypto space, which has been a major concern for industry players. With his background and expertise, Dara is well-positioned to address these issues and provide a unique perspective on the challenges facing the crypto industry.
As the crypto industry continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see more candidates with experience in the space running for office. The intersection of technology, finance, and politics is becoming increasingly complex, and candidates with expertise in these areas will be well-positioned to address the challenges and opportunities that arise. For more information on Khurram Dara’s campaign and the latest developments in the crypto industry, visit Cointelegraph.
