Pioneering transparency in campaign finance, Hensel sets a new standard with real-time disclosure.
Bentley Hensel, candidate for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, has made history as the first political candidate to instantly disclose all campaign contributions via the innovative SunBeam app. At a time when transparency in campaign finance is often delayed, Hensel’s groundbreaking approach offers voters real-time access to his campaign donor data.
I believe in complete transparency in campaign finance. The SunBeam app allows the public to see who is funding my campaign as soon as a donation is made. This level of openness is essential for restoring trust in our political process.
Bentley Hensel
The SunBeam app, which is licensed under AGPL-3.0, connects directly to donation platforms and automatically reports donations on Hensel’s campaign website, providing a live, down-to-the-second update. This innovation marks a significant departure from the traditional reporting methods, which often leave voters in the dark until after critical deadlines have passed.
Hensel is urging other candidates to adopt similar technologies and practices, emphasizing that transparency should be the norm, not the exception.
There is no prohibition against disclosing activity more frequently than the required reporting schedule
Jill Sugarman, Assistant Branch Chief of the FEC’s Reports Analysis Division
This confirmation underscores that any campaign committed to transparency can—and should—take this step immediately. Hensel’s campaign proves that the technology and systems are ready and available; what’s needed now is the political will from other campaigns to embrace the same level of transparency.
We’ve been talking about fixing campaign finance for far too long. It’s time to actually do something about it.
Bentley Hensel
Bentley Hensel’s commitment to real-time transparency sets a new benchmark in campaign finance. He challenges every candidate to meet the same standard.
About Bentley Hensel
Bentley Hensel is a data-driven problem solver and a passionate advocate for transparency and innovation. With a technology and public service background, Bentley has spent his career tackling complex challenges at the intersection of these fields. Now running for Congress in Virginia’s 8th District, Bentley is committed to modernizing government systems to make them more efficient, accessible, and accountable. Known for his pioneering efforts in real-time campaign finance disclosure, Bentley leads by example, emphasizing actionable solutions over empty rhetoric. His campaign is focused on ensuring that the government works effectively for everyone, not just a privileged few.
Bentley Hensel is a data-driven problem solver and a passionate advocate for transparency and innovation. With a technology and public service background, Bentley has spent his career tackling complex challenges at the intersection of these fields. Now running for Congress in Virginia’s 8th District, Bentley is committed to modernizing government systems to make them more efficient, accessible, and accountable. Known for his pioneering efforts in real-time campaign finance disclosure, Bentley leads by example, emphasizing actionable solutions over empty rhetoric. His campaign is focused on ensuring that the government works effectively for everyone, not just a privileged few.
For More Information
To learn more about Bentley Hensel’s campaign and his commitment to transparency, visit HenselForCongress.com.
Press and media can contact the campaign directly at media@henselforcongress.com or schedule time via the campaign scheduling page.
To learn more about Bentley Hensel’s campaign and his commitment to transparency, visit HenselForCongress.com.
Press and media can contact the campaign directly at media@henselforcongress.com or schedule time via the campaign scheduling page.
Additional Resources
Instantly disclosing campaign donations is in compliance with FEC regulations per Advisory Opinions AO 1977-66 (TIPAC) and AO 2022-03 (Democracy Engine).
For additional information on the legality of instant disclosure, see the FEC-Confirmation.pdf email and AO_HenselForCongress_Disclose.pdf attachments.
For additional information on the legality of instant disclosure, see the FEC-Confirmation.pdf email and AO_HenselForCongress_Disclose.pdf attachments.
