Democratic congressional hopeful Mitchell Berman linked to Ashley Madison activity

A review of the Ashley Madison data breach indicates that Mitchell Berman, the Democratic nominee for Wisconsin's First Congressional District, conducted two financial transactions on the site in early 2015, one for $268 and another for $19, using the email [email protected]. These payments occurred shortly after his January 2015 wedding to Jillian, a detail highlighted by his campaign's portrayal of him as a "devoted husband."

Additional records from a later breach show Berman maintained an Adult Friend Finder profile that remained active until October 2016. His campaign acknowledges the accounts but characterizes them as dormant profiles from his twenties that were later cancelled. The story emerges as Berman faces Republican incumbent Bryan Steil in a district the Democratic Congressional Committee labels a potential flip for 2026.

Berman, a former VA nurse, won the August primary with 44 percent of the vote and promotes his family life and local ties in campaign materials. The scandal joins a growing list of public figures exposed by the Ashley Madison breach, raising questions about personal conduct and political messaging.