Aarika Rhodes, a Democrat running to represent California’s 30th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, has begun to accept campaign contributions in Bitcoin using the Lightning Network.
In a Tuesday message to her more than 21,000 Twitter followers, Rhodes said her campaign website had started using Lighting for campaign contributions in addition to the BitPay options for Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. According to the congressional candidate, the move was aimed at making her campaign more accessible for voters, who will consider Rhodes in California’s primary election in June 2022 and potentially, the general election later that year.
Rhodes is seeking to replace fellow Democrat Brad Sherman, who has represented the district since 2013 and is also looking towards re-election in 2002. During his time in office, Sherman has made several anti-crypto statements, including calling for a ban on digital assets, and referring to supporters of initial coin offerings as “charlatans and scammers.” Rhodes, an elementary school teacher, said she plans to use her time in Congress “fighting to keep Bitcoin innovation” in the United States.
