Bitcoin advocate Ian Calderon announced his candidacy for California governor, promising to incorporate Bitcoin into the state's balance sheet.

Former California Assemblyman Ian Calderon has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial election, becoming the first mainstream political figure to place Bitcoin policy at the core of his campaign. The Democrat, who previously led California's Blockchain Working Group, not only promises to include Bitcoin in the state government's balance sheet but also boldly states his intention to make California the "undisputed leader in the realm of Bitcoin," potentially bringing transformative changes to the cryptocurrency policy of the largest economy in the United States.

####Bitcoin Supporters Storm the Governor's Mansion: Calderon's Vision for Digital Currency

Calderon officially announced his candidacy for Governor of California on September 23 on the social platform X. His campaign platform, while covering traditional issues such as affordable housing, groceries, and gasoline, is most notable for his steadfast support for Bitcoin. As a young political figure, Calderon deeply understands the importance of the digital economy.

"Our generation pays bills with mobile payments, transfers money to each other with Venmo, saves with Bitcoin — but the people managing our government are trying to solve today's problems with yesterday's ideas, and that just doesn't work," Calderon said while announcing his candidacy.

In another post, he emphasized even more clearly the core position of Bitcoin in his political vision: "California has always been a leader in the tech sector. Now it is time for us to return to our roots and make California the undisputed leader in the Bitcoin space."

####State Government Bitcoin Reserves: From Concept to Policy

Calderon's Bitcoin policy goes beyond mere slogans. In a live broadcast on X, he clearly stated: "California should include Bitcoin in its balance sheet," and promised, "Once I am governor, I will ensure that we hold Bitcoin on our balance sheet."

This position is significant for California, which manages a $4.3 trillion economy. If realized, California will become the state government in the U.S. with the largest Bitcoin reserves, potentially triggering a nationwide policy ripple effect.

Calderon also proposed further ideas, stating that he would promote the use of Bitcoin to pay for state government project costs in California, which would provide an important practical application scenario for Bitcoin as a means of payment.

####From the youngest legislator to a Blockchain pioneer: Calderon's political background

Ian Calderon is not a newcomer to the political arena. In 2012, at just 27 years old, he entered the California legislature, becoming the youngest state legislator at that time. Before leaving office in 2020, he led California's Blockchain Working Group, laying the groundwork for the state's blockchain roadmap.

Although Calderon has stayed away from the political scene for the past five years, he has not given up on promoting cryptocurrency policy. In early 2022, he collaborated with Dennis Porter, the CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund, to propose a bill exploring Bitcoin as legal tender. Although the proposal has made limited progress to date, it reflects Calderon's long-term and consistent support for Bitcoin.

####The Rise of Crypto Assets in Politics: From Donations to Policy

Calderon's candidacy comes at a time when Crypto Assets are increasingly influencing American politics. In the 2024 election, Crypto Assets lobbying groups have become one of the largest donors, contributing millions of dollars to Donald Trump and several congressional candidates.

This type of financial support has begun to translate into policy commitments, with more and more federal and state legislators pledging to adopt cryptocurrency-friendly policies during their campaigns. Calderon's candidacy can be seen as a continuation of this trend, but his stance is more radical and specific.

####Current Status of California's Crypto Assets Monetary Policy: Progress and Challenges

As the most populous and economically largest state in the United States, any changes in cryptocurrency policy in California have national implications. Currently, state legislators have advanced a bill allowing state government agencies to accept crypto asset payments, but support and progress regarding Bitcoin reserves are not as strong as in other states.

In contrast, states like Texas and Wyoming have taken more proactive measures to support Bitcoin adoption. For example, Wyoming has established a comprehensive cryptocurrency legal framework, while Texas allows banks to provide custody services for cryptocurrency businesses.

Calderon's candidacy may push California to catch up with or even surpass other states in this field, but it depends on whether he can stand out in the fiercely competitive election.

####2026 Gubernatorial Election: Calderon's Chances

California will hold its gubernatorial election on November 3, 2026. Current Governor Gavin Newsom cannot seek re-election after his second term ends. Calderon faces fierce competition from several senior political figures.

Current polls show that former Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter is the frontrunner, followed by Republican candidate Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Republican political consultant and Fox News contributor Steve Hilton.

The campaign officially kicked off at the end of July, when former Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed that she would not run for the position. In such a competitive environment, Calderon's chances of winning are considered relatively small, but his candidacy will undoubtedly bring Bitcoin and crypto assets policy to the center of political debate in California.

####Bitcoin as Legal Tender: Calderon's Long-Term Vision

Calderon's political vision is not limited to incorporating Bitcoin into the state government's balance sheet; his long-term goal is to explore the possibility of Bitcoin as legal tender. This position remains rare in mainstream American politics and may even be considered radical.

However, as the acceptance of Bitcoin continues to rise globally, and with countries like El Salvador setting the precedent of adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, Calderon's proposal is no longer entirely a utopian vision.

If Calderon is able to succeed in the election and push California to adopt a more Bitcoin-friendly policy, it will have a profound impact on the regulatory environment for Crypto Assets in the United States and even globally. As the world's fifth-largest economy, California's policy choices often have a demonstration effect, potentially guiding policy changes at the state level and even at the federal level.

Regardless of the election results, Calderon's candidacy itself is already an important symbol of Bitcoin and crypto assets entering mainstream political discussions, reflecting the growing significance of digital assets in political and economic life.