5 Key Facts About Ian Calderon, the Pro-Bitcoin Politician Running for Governor of California

Jakarta, Pintu News – Former California legislator and Bitcoin (BTC) supporter Ian Calderon is officially running for governor of California for the 2026 election. Although considered a “long shot” due to competition from other major candidates, Calderon brings a unique agenda: making Bitcoin an important part of the state’s economic policy.

Here are 5 key facts about Calderon’s candidacy.

1. Young Politician with a Blockchain Track Record

Calderon first entered the California legislature in 2012 at the age of 27, making him the youngest member at the time.

During his tenure until 2020, he led the California Blockchain Working Group that laid the groundwork for the state’s blockchain roadmap. According to Cointelegraph (September 24, 2025), it is this experience that he has made a major asset in his campaign.

Also Read: 5 Shocking Facts About AVAX: Up 10.52% in 24 Hours, Price Breaks IDR 583,000!

2. Focus on Bitcoin Amidst People’s Economic Issues

In his campaign on social media X, Calderon emphasized a focus on the everyday needs of citizens such as more affordable housing, fuel, and food prices.

However, he also added that Bitcoin should be part of California’s economic solution, stating: “My generation pays bills on their phones, sends money via Venmo, and saves in Bitcoin.”

3. Bitcoin Proposal to Become a State Reserve

In a live broadcast on X, Calderon stated that if elected, he wants California to keep Bitcoin on the government’s balance sheet.

He even mentioned plans to use Bitcoin as one of the state program’s payment instruments, following in the footsteps of a global trend where several countries are considering Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

4. Competing with Heavy Candidates

The California gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026. Calderon faces strong contenders, including former Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter who is currently ahead in the polls.

In addition to Porter, there is also Republican Sheriff Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, a former Republican political advisor and Fox News contributor.

5. Pro-Bitcoin Trail Since 2022

Despite his hiatus from politics, Calderon has remained active in the crypto space. In 2022, he teamed up with Satoshi Action Fund CEO Dennis Porter to push for a bill making Bitcoin legal tender in California.

However, the proposal is still stagnant and there has been no significant progress.

Conclusion

Ian Calderon has emerged as a candidate with a strong tech and crypto vision in the 2026 California gubernatorial election. With support for Bitcoin and the idea of a digital asset-based state reserve, Calderon is trying to bring new colors to the politics of the largest state in the United States.

However, the challenge is enormous given that he has to face an established candidate with a stronger support base.

Also Read: 5 Facts on Hedera (HBAR) Price Pressure: Can it Survive Above IDR3,940?

Follow us on Google News to get the latest information about the world of crypto and blockchain technology. Check today‘ s bitcoin price, today’s solana price, pepe coin and other crypto asset prices through Pintu Market.

Enjoy an easy and secure crypto trading experience by downloading Pintu crypto app via Google Play Store or App Store now. Also, get a web trading experience with various advanced trading tools such as pro charting, various types of order types, and portfolio tracker only at Pintu Pro.

*Disclaimer

This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Note that an asset’s past performance does not determine its projected future performance. Crypto trading activities are subject to high risk and volatility, always do your own research and use cold hard cash before investing. All activities of buying andselling Bitcoin and other crypto asset investments are the responsibility of the reader.

Reference

• Brayden Lindrea / Cointelegraph. Pro-Bitcoin Democrat Ian Calderon to run for governor of California. Accessed September 24, 2025.