Rep. Eric Swalwell Allegedly Breaches Ethics by Soliciting AI Funding from Colleagues

Representative Eric Swalwell, along with his former chief of staff, have been actively soliciting support from their congressional peers for a new AI venture, potentially breaching House ethics guidelines, The Post has learned from several insiders.

According to a recent report by NOTUS, Swalwell and Yardena Wolf—his ex-staffer who transitioned last year to spearhead his gubernatorial campaign in California—have been persistently promoting their startup, Findraiser, to other Democratic House members and political strategists.

This activity has stirred unease among Democratic lawmakers, raising concerns about whether Swalwell and his chief aide misused their official roles.

“They were reaching out to everyone,” a source familiar with the issue revealed to The Post. “I’m sure every member from California was contacted.”

A political consultant and fundraiser from California noted that while Swalwell often provokes eye rolls within the Democratic circles, his attempt to capitalize on his colleagues’ political campaigns seemed inappropriate.

“Swalwell has been a subject of ridicule for a decade, but this company has been notably mocked by consultants and staffers for the past eighteen months,” the source remarked.

Swalwell and Wolf repeatedly contacted congressional colleagues last year to promote Findraiser through texts, emails, and in-person conversations.

And the outreach wasn’t subtle.

“They described it as a great new way to fundraise that was going to make everyone’s life easier,” a source told The Post, adding that Wolf repeatedly tried to set up a demo of the product.

“We basically just blew her off because we weren’t interested in the product at all.”

The Democratic Party strategist said that Swalwell may have even used the company as a legislative negotiating tactic.

“The only way you get Swalwell to sign on to your bills is if you take this weird call from his chief of staff,” the source said.

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That’s only when Swalwell is in Congress, of course — last year he missed more votes than any active member of Congress, and he has been found to be playing hooky while spending time at a billionaire’s Beverly Hills mansion.

House ethics rules prohibit members from using their position — or the appearance of it — to generate private financial gain.

The House Ethics Committee also cautions lawmakers against promoting or endorsing products tied to them, noting that even the perception of leveraging public office can be problematic.

“Much like Donald Trump, Eric Swalwell appears to be leveraging his position and influence in government for personal gain,” said Kevin Liao, a spokesperson for Tom Steyer’s campaign for governor. “It raises serious questions about his true motivations and character as a public servant: Is Eric Swalwell simply using the levers of power to line his own pockets?”

Micah Beasley, a spokesperson for Swalwell’s campaign, issued a statement to The Post saying Swalwell “is working to help Democrats win up and down the ticket.“

“Whether that’s through utilizing 21st Century technology or talking to voters directly about the issues that matter most — he will continue to use every tool he can to fight Donald Trump and his MAGA cronies.”

Beasley added, “It is sad to see the desperation of a billionaire willing to do anything to score a few more points in this race, even if it means hurting his own party.”

Wolf declined to comment when reached Friday afternoon, beyond noting they worked with the House ethics committee to conduct all activities above board.

Findraiser was launched in early 2024 and markets itself as an AI-driven tool that helps campaigns analyze donor data and optimize fundraising efforts.

Swalwell, who has been carrying at least $80,000 in student loan and credit card debt in recent years — along with a mortgage above $1 million, has disclosed a stake in the company valued between $200,000 and $500,000.

Beyond Swalwell and Wolf, the only other known member of the company listed with the state is Paul Mandell, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

It’s unclear who else is an investor in the company.

But the company’s footprint so far has been modest — roughly $60,000 in revenue from just over a dozen Democratic campaigns, many tied to Swalwell’s political orbit.

A lawsuit challenging Swalwell’s residency claims in California was recently tossed out by a Sacramento judge, allowing him to remain on the ballot for governor in June’s election.

However, neighbors of the congressman — he’s claimed to rent a home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Livermore since 2017 — told The Post they’ve never seen or met Swalwell.