Rep. Eric Swalwell (D., Calif.) pitched the services of a political AI startup he cofounded to fellow Democratic lawmakers and staff in a possible violation of House ethics rules that prohibit members from using their public office to promote a private business, according to Democratic operatives who spoke to Notus.
Swalwell cofounded Findraiser in early 2024 with his then-chief of staff Yardena Wolf. Notus reported the firm has received roughly $60,000 from more than a dozen Democratic campaigns, including those led by allies such as Sen. Adam Schiff (Calif.) and his self-described “best friend” Sen. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.).
“He is relentless in pushing [Findraiser],” one Democratic operative told the outlet. “He’s peddling the shit out of that thing.” Another consultant said being approached by Swalwell or his team to use the service has been “surprisingly universal” in some Democratic circles.
The company markets artificial intelligence tools designed to help campaigns analyze donor data and identify fundraising opportunities.
Wolf also promoted Findraiser while still serving in Swalwell’s congressional office, including emailing campaigns, offering demonstrations, and scheduling meetings with lawmakers and senior staff, according to Notus. One consultant told Notus that Wolf appeared to conduct a Zoom demonstration for Findraiser from her congressional office.
The House Ethics Committee prohibits members from using their position to make “pecuniary gains.” The committee also advises members against endorsing any product or company and to avoid situations in which “even an inference might be drawn suggesting improper conduct.”
A spokesman for Swalwell told Notus that Swalwell and Wolf consulted with the House Ethics Committee and that Swalwell receives no income from the company.
The revelations could spell trouble for Swalwell as he competes in a crowded all-party primary for California’s governorship. The contest, which is slated for June 2, will include a number of prominent Democrats, including former Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra, former congresswoman Katie Porter, former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and businessman Tom Steyer.
A poll released earlier this week found Swalwell, Steyer, and Porter tied at 10 percent. Two Republicans, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, led the pack at 16 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
