Better Know a Crypto Candidate: Jerrod Sessler

Jerrod Sessler is running for Washington’s 4th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives as a Republican against incumbent Dan Newhouse, who is also a Republican who has held the chair since 2015.

The GOP newcomer is an entrepreneur and the founder of the HomeTask maintenance service. Sessler also served in the US Navy and was previously a NASCAR driver. According to a video statement from Sessler, he strongly opposes the centralization of digital assets:

“Let me be clear: centralization of crypto, not only ruins the purpose and the freedom of crypto, but it also creates a voucher system for the countries or the people that agree to adopt such a system decentralized crypto is not controlled by or even visible to the government.”

The Congressional candidate continued, “Those that seek to destroy American Liberty, also seek to centralize crypto. As Congressman, I will fully and completely oppose the centralization of crypto in America.”

Sessler’s views on centralization are not limited to crypto either. In a separate statement, the Sessler vowed to help combat the centralization of sprawling government bureaucracies and the arbitrary overregulation they create.

The candidate answered 10 questions about his views on digital assets and blockchain technology sent by Cointelegraph via email.

Related: Better Know a Crypto Candidate: John Avlon

Name: Jerrod Sessler

Party: Republican

Running: US House of Representatives, Washington 4th Congressional District

Cointelegraph: What is your stance on stablecoins? Should they be regulated like traditional financial instruments, and if so, how?

Jerrod Sessler: If you regulate stablecoins the same as traditional finance then you hand over control to those that will oppress you just as they do with the United States dollar (USD).

CT: Do you support the development of a CBDC (digital dollar) in the US? Why or why not?

JS: Yes, I think it is important for the USA, but there must never be a mandate to use a centralized system without the decentralized option.

CT: Stablecoins have been pitched as a way to potentially extend US-dollar dominance by decades, do you agree with this plan, why or why not?

JS: I do think they are going to provide a stepping stone to help people feel more comfortable about making the step into the crypto space.

CT: What role do you think Congress should play in regulating DeFi, and what specific risks or benefits do you see?

JS: My stance on government regulation is primarily as it relates to public safety. If there are risks, those should be plainly stated. If it is a scam then, of course, that should not be allowed. If it is a legitimate business function or tool then it should be allowed. The nature of deregulated systems cuts the government’s ability to control internal functions — which is a good thing.

CT: What role do you believe the SEC and/or CFTC should play in overseeing the cryptocurrency industry?

JS: Very little. Some stances could be taken to protect investors and provide stability if that can be done — if it is even needed — without jeopardizing the decentralized nature of the systems.

CT: Some traditional banks are beginning to integrate cryptocurrency services. Do you support this trend, and how should Congress approach the regulation of banks that engage in crypto activities?

JS: There is no need for Congressional regulation. Much of the banking regulation, currently, is harmful to the end-user. Congress is tasked with managing the currency, not the various distribution tools.

CT: Do you personally own any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, and how does that influence your stance on these issues?

JS: Yes, I am learning, day by day, and exploring more in this space. I am certainly not an expert, but it is clear that this is the direction of the future.

CT: Looking ahead, where do you see the future of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies in the US over the next 10 years? What role will Congress play in shaping that future?

JS: It is my hope that I may learn enough about the space to help chart and navigate our great country through this so that we can maintain fiscal leadership throughout the world, without taking away the personal freedoms that I believe are vital to individuals within the digital currency space.

CT: What is your position on the self-custody of digital assets?

JS: It is a concern of mine, even for myself, only because I know that some assets will be lost because of the lack of clear organization and record-keeping by individuals, who may not understand the risk of self-custody. I am also concerned about theft and insecurity of asset storage that could put access codes at risk.

CT: What role do you think a candidate’s view on digital assets should have among voters in an election year?

JS: It is vital. It is also vital that we elect people who understand, and have some understanding, of where AI is taking us as a society. The general population does not understand the massive changes we are headed for with digital currency and AI in the next decade.

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