Bitcoin Proponent Ian Calderon Joins 2026 California Governor Race: Is He the One?

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Ah, dear Ian Calderon, once a humble California Assemblymember, now casting his hat-perhaps rather dramatically-into the crowded ring of candidates for Governor of California in 2026. How thrilling! The race to replace Gavin Newsom just got even more interesting, with Calderon, the Bitcoin aficionado, ready to offer up some “fresh” solutions for the state. Quite a bit of competition, wouldn’t you say?

On the charming platform known as X (formerly known as Twitter, but let us not dwell on such old matters), Calderon confirmed his candidacy, promising the good people of California affordable homes, groceries, and-oh yes-gas. But wait, there’s more: he’s positioning himself as the champion of Bitcoin. Well, isn’t that just the modern touch everyone’s been waiting for? 💸

He’s quoted as saying, “My generation pays bills on our phones, we send money to each other with Venmo and we save in Bitcoin-but the people running our government, they’re trying to use yesterday’s ideas to solve today’s problems, and it isn’t working.” Well, Ian, perhaps it’s time to dust off that old playbook and let’s just see how the masses feel about this “new generation” leadership of yours. 😉

It’s time for a new generation of leadership in California.

– Ian Calderon (@IanCalderon) September 23, 2025

And, because one cannot simply stop at “affordable gas,” Calderon has a grander vision: California should be the undisputed leader in Bitcoin. Never mind that California’s got a rather lovely history of technology and innovation. It seems Bitcoin is the shiny new toy in town, ready to dazzle everyone. 🌟

Now, let’s talk money-or rather, crypto. Calderon has hinted that once he is seated as governor, he would like California to hold Bitcoin on its balance sheet. An ambitious notion, wouldn’t you say? After all, it’s not every day you hear of a state investing in Bitcoin instead of, say, bonds or, well, any of those old-fashioned things that other states still rely on.

Calderon hints at promise of state Bitcoin reserve

During a particularly riveting livestream on X, Calderon boldly declared that “California should be holding Bitcoin on its balance sheet.” Yes, indeed, dear reader. And he didn’t stop there. “Once I’m governor, I’m going to make sure that we hold Bitcoin on our balance sheet,” he insisted. Bold words. Let’s just see if his plan finds the same level of enthusiasm with the voters. 🤷‍♀️

He also mentioned that he would push for California to use Bitcoin for paying state programs. How splendid! One can only imagine the bureaucracy involved in those transactions. 💰

Calderon faces fierce competition

The Californian electorate will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, for the governor’s race. While Calderon has made a fine entrance, it’s safe to say he’s facing an uphill battle. With more established names like Kamala Harris (who-surprise, surprise-won’t be running after all) not in the mix, the race is wide open for others to make their mark. And Ian Calderon, well, he might just be the one to stir things up. Or, he might not. 😉

Calderon wanted Bitcoin as legal tender in California

Ah yes, let’s not forget about Calderon’s previous efforts. While out of the political spotlight for the past five years, he worked on a bill with Satoshi Action Fund CEO Dennis Porter, exploring the possibility of Bitcoin as legal tender in California. However, the proposal has, much like a Bitcoin transaction in a congested network, made little progress since then. But fear not, dear reader, for our ambitious Calderon is still holding on to that dream. 🤞

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2025-09-24 04:31