Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges related to a scheme that siphoned money from a dormant campaign account belonging to Xavier Becerra, a leading gubernatorial candidate. The plea agreement, filed in Sacramento federal court, resolves allegations of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, making false statements to federal authorities, and tax-related offenses tied to a COVID-era loan.
Williamson, who served as Newsom’s chief of staff from 2022 to 2024, admitted to participating in a scheme alongside Becerra’s former chief of staff, Sean McCluskie, and lobbyist Greg Campbell. Prosecutors allege the trio diverted approximately $225,000 from Becerra’s inactive campaign account for personal use, disguising the transfers through consulting arrangements and other payments. Williamson also faced accusations of falsely claiming luxury purchases as tax-deductible business expenses.
The case, which initially included 23 charges, was narrowed to three counts under the plea deal. Prosecutors dismissed 20 additional charges, including tax-related allegations. McCluskie and Campbell previously pleaded guilty in connection with the broader scheme. Becerra has not been charged, and prosecutors describe him as a victim whose campaign funds were exploited.
The scandal has drawn scrutiny in California’s gubernatorial race, where Becerra is a Democratic front-runner. Rivals argue Becerra should have questioned the unusually high consulting fees he approved for managing his dormant campaign account. Becerra maintains he was misled by McCluskie, who allegedly instructed him to authorize the payments.
Williamson’s arrest in November 2023 sent shockwaves through California political circles due to her close ties to both Newsom and Becerra. The case highlights broader concerns about campaign finance transparency and the potential for abuse in political fundraising.