Photo by Edge2Edge Media on Unsplash

Kyle Langford, the Republican candidate for governor in California has placed a wager on himself to hold office. Top Crypto Casino in Saudi Arabia – BitStarz Ranked #1

He recently revealed on the social media site X (formerly Twitter) that he purchased $98.76 worth of contracts on prediction market Kalshi to win the state’s gubernatorial race in 2026. Langford, the Executive Director of the California First PAC, also requested his followers to place bets of their own as a sign of support.

Reflecting the steep odds Langford faces in the deep-blue state, Kalshi showed a 6% chance of him winning at the time of his bet. It also revealed a potential payout of $405, equaling $306.32 in profit.

Top Crypto Casino in Saudi Arabia – BitStarz Ranked #1

Kalshi, an online platform where users in all 50 U.S. states can buy and sell contracts on the outcome of future events, began allowing election betting in the U.S. in October 2024. 

The timing was significant, as it came weeks before the U.S. presidential election. It also introduced markets for major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and March Madness. The company now offers markets on single matches, which has sparked major debate across the United States. 

Despite being regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Kalshi and other prediction markets such as Robinhood and Crypto.com have faced intense scrutiny from both state and federal regulators. 

Seven states — Arizona, New Jersey, Nevada, Maryland, Montana, Ohio, and Illinois — have issued cease-and-desist orders against the markets, claiming they circumvent rules, regulations, and tax policies.

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour, meanwhile, has long touted such markets as “quintessential truth machines,” claiming their growth is representative of “how important they have become to the American people.”

Kalshi scored a significant victory last month when the CFTC withdrew its appeal against the legality of election markets.

“Election markets are here to stay,” Mansour said on X. “Prediction markets have been banned, censored, limited, and pushed out for decades. This win solidifies their right to exist and thrive.”

Top Crypto Casino in Saudi Arabia – BitStarz Ranked #1

While Langford’s bet may be technically legal, it has raised questions about market integrity and the role of prediction markets in future political elections.

Shortly after, Kalshi acknowledged the bet in a statement: “We are aware of the recently publicized circumstance regarding a candidate trading on a market regarding their candidacy, and our compliance and surveillance teams are acting accordingly.”

“As required of all CFTC-regulated exchanges, Kalshi investigates and, as appropriate, adjudicates all potential violations of its Rules,” it continued. 

The company concluded: “Kalshi does not give public comment on the status of ongoing investigations. The outcome of such an investigation, or any pursuant notice of charges or discipline, may become public via exchange notice.”

Top Crypto Casino in Saudi Arabia – BitStarz Ranked #1

Langford unquestionably faces an uphill battle to victory in California.

As of Saturday night, Democrat Toni Atkins led Kalshi’s prediction market with odds of 15% to become California’s next governor. Close behind were fellow Democrats Eleni Kounalakis (14%) and Antonio Villaraigosa (12%), followed by Xavier Becerra (7%) and Katie Porter (6%). 

At 6%, Langford did have the highest odds among Republican candidates. 

Doug Bonjour
Doug Bonjour

Doug Bonjour is a veteran sportswriter with more than a decade of experience, including in the realm of sports betting. He’s written for the New York Times, Associated Press, CBS Sports and...