Who Is Ellen Weintraub? Her Husband, Children, Family, Wiki

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Ellen Weintraub has never been one to back down from a fight. As a long-serving commissioner on the Federal Election Commission (FEC), she has spent decades pushing for stronger campaign finance laws and fighting against the influence of big money in politics. But in early 2025, she made headlines for something even more dramatic—defying an attempt by former President Donald Trump to remove her from office.

Trump sent a letter claiming to dismiss her from her position as Commissioner and Chair of the FEC, but Weintraub wasn’t having it. She responded publicly, making it clear that there’s a legal process for replacing FEC commissioners, and this wasn’t it. The move sparked a political firestorm, reinforcing Weintraub’s reputation as a relentless advocate for election integrity—and someone who knows the rules inside and out.

Her Husband: Bill Dauster, A Senate Insider

Weintraub isn’t the only political heavyweight in her household. She is married to Bill Dauster, a well-respected Senate policy expert who has worked behind the scenes on some of the most significant legislation of the past few decades.

Bill Dauster
Ellen’s husband Bill.

Dauster has held senior roles under multiple Democratic senators, including Harry Reid, Max Baucus, Russ Feingold, and Chris Van Hollen. He was instrumental in crafting key budget deals, the Affordable Care Act, and campaign finance reform laws, including the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (a.k.a. McCain-Feingold).

Despite his high-profile career, Dauster is known for prioritizing his family above everything else. Former colleagues often recall how he would decline after-work events, telling them: “I love you, but I love my family more, and I need to be home with them.”

Who Is Ellen Weintraub?

To understand Weintraub’s resilience, you have to look at where she came from. Born in 1957 in New York City, she took the classic Ivy League route, graduating from Yale University before earning her law degree from Harvard Law School. After law school, she joined the New York law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel, where she built a foundation in litigation before moving into public service.

Her career in government took off when she served as counsel for the U.S. House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (aka the House Ethics Committee). There, she helped implement the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, which shaped how members of Congress handle conflicts of interest and financial disclosures. Before joining the FEC, she worked as Of Counsel at Perkins Coie LLP, advising on campaign finance laws, political ethics, and lobbying regulations.

A Force at the Federal Election Commission

Weintraub has been with the FEC since 2002, making her one of the longest-serving members of the commission. Initially appointed by President George W. Bush, she was later confirmed unanimously by the Senate—something almost unheard of in today’s hyper-partisan political climate. Over the years, she’s made it clear that her mission is to hold politicians accountable, push for stronger campaign finance laws, and ensure transparency in elections.

She’s been particularly vocal about foreign interference in U.S. elections, urging lawmakers to close loopholes that allow foreign money to influence campaigns. Her outspoken nature has often put her at odds with Republican members of the FEC, but that hasn’t stopped her from making her voice heard.

Their Family Life

Weintraub and Dauster have built a life together in Maryland, raising three children while balancing the intense demands of Washington politics. While neither of them frequently shares personal details, those close to them describe their marriage as a true partnership—two policy minds deeply committed to public service.

Dauster, who retired in 2024 after decades of Senate work, is also an active Wikipedia editor, with a focus on subjects ranging from the Torah to federal budget policies (an eclectic mix, to say the least).

A Legacy Still in the Making

As 2025 unfolds, Weintraub shows no signs of slowing down. Her recent clash with Trump only reinforces her status as a defender of democracy, someone willing to challenge power—even when the stakes are high.

With decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to election integrity, Ellen Weintraub remains a pivotal figure in the fight to keep money out of politics and hold politicians accountable. Whether she stays at the FEC or moves into a new role, one thing is certain: she won’t be silenced anytime soon.

Rhyss

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