Sen. Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin has been facing scrutiny over her relationship with her partner, Maria Brisbane, who works as a private wealth adviser. Despite being together since 2018 and sharing a residence, the two are unmarried. Since Senate rules do not require disclosure of finances for unmarried partners, Baldwin has not shared Brisbane’s assets or client list. Brisbane’s role as a wealth adviser to the ultra-wealthy in industries regulated by Baldwin has raised concerns of a conflict of interest, prompting calls for transparency.
A spokesperson for Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde criticized Baldwin for failing to disclose her partner’s assets and client list, citing the potential ethical implications of Brisbane’s wealth advisory role. Baldwin responded with her own ad calling the accusations a “complete lie” and emphasizing her commitment to fighting for the people of Wisconsin. The Baldwin campaign also highlighted other senators who have been in dating relationships without disclosing their partners’ assets, in an effort to downplay the claims made by Hovde and his campaign.
Brisbane’s past role as a manager of a biotechnology mutual fund has added to the concerns raised by Hovde’s campaign, given Baldwin’s position as chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee’s Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies subcommittee. The potential overlap between Baldwin’s regulatory duties and Brisbane’s previous involvement in the biotech industry has fueled accusations of a conflict of interest. Despite not being required to disclose Brisbane’s assets due to their unmarried status, Baldwin’s opponents have called for an investigation into the matter.
Baldwin and Brisbane co-own a residence in Washington, D.C., with both of their names on the property’s deed. According to Baldwin’s campaign, each partner paid for their half of the property separately, with Brisbane using cash and Baldwin taking out a mortgage. The campaign also clarified that the two do not share bank accounts. In the midst of these controversies, a recent poll showed Baldwin leading Hovde among registered voters in Wisconsin, with the election rated by political analysts as leaning Democratic.
The Fix Washington PAC, which supports Hovde in the Wisconsin Senate race, released an ad highlighting Baldwin and Brisbane’s shared residence, focusing on the lack of disclosure of joint assets and Brisbane’s client list. The ad raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and Wall Street connections. Campaign statements and ads from both sides have underscored the ethical implications of the situation, with Baldwin refuting the allegations and emphasizing her dedication to serving the people of Wisconsin.
Despite facing criticism over her relationship with Brisbane and the potential conflicts of interest, Baldwin continues to lead in the polls in the competitive Wisconsin Senate race. The controversy surrounding the lack of disclosure of Brisbane’s assets and client list has become a focal point in the campaign, with opponents calling for greater transparency and accountability. As the election approaches, the issue of Baldwin’s relationship with Brisbane and its implications on her role in government remains a topic of debate and scrutiny.
