Swalwell Faces Ethics Questions Over Promotion Of AI Fundraising Company

Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing mounting scrutiny after reports that he and a former top aide actively promoted a private artificial intelligence startup tied to them—raising serious ethical concerns about the potential misuse of public office.

According to multiple sources and a report by NOTUS, Swalwell and his former chief of staff, Yardena Wolf, spent months pitching the AI fundraising company Findraiser to fellow House Democrats and political operatives. The outreach reportedly included texts, emails, and in-person conversations, with some insiders suggesting the effort blurred the line between official influence and private gain.

“They were really hitting up everyone,” one source familiar with the outreach said. “I bet every California member probably got outreach.”

The reaction within Democratic circles, however, appears to have been far from enthusiastic. One strategist described the effort as a source of ridicule among party insiders.

“Swalwell has been a running joke for 10 years, but this company has been a running joke for consultants and staffers for probably a year and a half,” the source said.

Others described persistent attempts to push the product, including repeated invitations to attend demonstrations.

“They described it as a great new way to fundraise that was going to make everyone’s life easier,” another source said. “We basically just blew her off because we weren’t interested in the product at all.”

More troubling allegations suggest the outreach may have intersected with legislative dealings.

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

Under House ethics rules, lawmakers are explicitly prohibited from using their office—or the appearance of it—for personal financial benefit. The House Ethics Committee has also warned against promoting products or ventures tied to members of Congress due to the risk of conflicts of interest.

Swalwell’s office has forcefully denied any wrongdoing. Campaign spokesperson Micah Beasley defended the congressman’s actions as part of broader efforts to support Democratic campaigns and modernize fundraising strategies.

“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 said.

Beasley also pushed back on critics, adding, “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 elaborate on the outreach but stated that all activities were conducted in accordance with ethics guidance.

Financial disclosures reviewed in the reports show Swalwell holds an ownership stake in Findraiser valued between $200,000 and $500,000. Despite aggressive promotion efforts, the company has reportedly generated just $60,000 in revenue from a limited number of Democratic campaigns.

The controversy arrives as Swalwell ramps up his campaign for governor of California—a race that could now be overshadowed by questions surrounding ethics and transparency. Although a recent legal challenge to his residency was dismissed, allowing him to remain on the ballot, the political fallout from these allegations may prove more difficult to contain.

As Washington continues to grapple with concerns over influence, accountability, and the intersection of politics and private enterprise, the situation underscores the growing demand for stricter adherence to ethical standards—especially among those entrusted with public office.