Published on: January 26, 2026, at 08:44h.
Updated on: January 26, 2026, at 08:45h.
- New Washington, DC office announced by prediction market operator
- Company appoints former Biden aide John Bivona as the inaugural head of government relations
- Bivona brings nearly two decades of experience as a Democratic advisor and strategist
Kalshi, a leading prediction market operator, has revealed the launch of a new office in Washington, DC, with lobbying efforts spearheaded by a former Biden Administration official.
John Bivona, who brings two decades of experience in Democratic politics, has been appointed as Kalshi’s first head of federal government relations. This hiring occurs amidst growing scrutiny that prediction markets, like the ones Kalshi operates, are more akin to gambling disguised as financial products.
Bivona has played a significant role in the election of Democrats across all levels including Presidential, Senate, and House positions. He previously served as the Deputy National Political Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) in 2018, where he provided counsel and supported candidate recruitment during the pivotal midterm elections that reshaped the House of Representatives.
Most recently, Bivona founded his own advisory and lobbying firm, collaborating with both established enterprises and emerging startups.
Political Implications of Bivona’s Appointment
In today’s politically charged atmosphere, Bivona’s addition to Kalshi could spark various interpretations. Discussions are already emerging on social media suggesting that his hiring indicates Kalshi’s expectation of Democrats maintaining control of at least one Congressional chamber post-2026 midterms.
Bringing Bivona on board might also counter the narrative of Kalshi being a right-leaning entity, especially considering Donald Trump Jr. serves as one of its advisors. There have been assertions within gaming circles that the Trump administration’s regulatory policies favor prediction markets, but many view these claims as more opinion than substantiated fact.
Notably, Kalshi maintains a non-partisan stance. However, some staff members from its Silicon Valley investors are known Democratic supporters, and its law firm, Cooley LLP, directed 92.32% of its political contributions during the 2024 cycle towards Democratic candidates.
The newly established Coalition for Prediction Markets (CPM), which Kalshi co-founded, aims for bipartisan representation by announcing the recruitment of both former Democratic and Republican Congress members into its leadership.
State-Level Hire Enhancements at Kalshi
While Bivona is a significant hire, the recruitment of Blake Bee to oversee Kalshi’s state-level operations is equally crucial, especially considering many of the company’s legal challenges lie with state regulators rather than federal ones.
“Bee previously worked at Amazon as a Senior Manager of State and Local Public Policy, where he engaged with state attorneys general. His background includes seven years at the National Association of Attorneys General, where he directed its Center for Leadership Development,” the statement explains.