Winklevoss twins and crypto ties seek to shape Arizona Democratic primary race

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https://www.npr.org/2024/07/29/g-s1-13785/winklevoss-twins-crypto-arizona-democratic-primary

Winklevoss twins and crypto ties seek to shape Arizona Democratic primary race

JULY 29, 20245:04 AM ET
Claudia Grisales

A Democratic primary race for a U.S. House seat in Phoenix, Arizona, has drawn a curious group of interests: the Winklevoss twins of Facebook fame, cryptocurrency industry forces and Republican donors.

The high-stakes affair is the latest reminder of outside groups moving to extend their reach in the U.S. House, with control of the lower chamber in play. Arizona, a critical battleground that will play an outsize role in national races this year, holds its primary elections on Tuesday.

The three-way Democratic contest for the state’s third congressional district features former Arizona legislator Raquel Terán, ex-city council member Yassamin Ansari and pediatrician Dr. Duane Wooten. Polling shows the top contenders are Terán, a Latina, and Iranian-American Ansari, both of whom are vying to make history with their personal backgrounds. They want to fill the seat of Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

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However, Ansari has drawn controversy due to support for her campaign from outside donors including the Winklevoss twins, a Republican-aligned crypto political action committee and a major donor to former President Donald Trump. She’s pushed back against Terán and others who question her Democratic credentials, an issue that also plagued Ansari during her 2021 city council run.

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