A private Democratic polling memo circulated in the U.S. Congress shows primary voters hold a sharply negative view of the crypto industry ahead of a key preliminary vote next week on federal digital asset reform, including the CLARITY Act. According to ChainCatcher, the survey found that Democratic primary voters rated crypto below traditional oil and gas companies, Wall Street, and data centers.

The poll, conducted by Normington Petts among 800 primary voters nationwide, found that 84% of respondents viewed candidates backed by crypto industry funding negatively. The backlash is reportedly contributing to a more cautious stance among moderate lawmakers before the upcoming vote.

Lawmakers still plan to hold an initial vote next week on a bill aimed at permanently changing how federal agencies regulate digital assets. However, disagreements remain over anti-money laundering rules for decentralized channels, limits on stablecoin issuers paying yields directly to retail users, and restrictions on U.S. President Donald Trump and other elected officials profiting from crypto projects and token launches.

The political dispute is adding risk for crypto-related stocks, with any delay to the vote likely to push back the CLARITY Act and other compliance measures.