Disgraced ex-Newsom aide Dana Williamson to cop guilty plea in corruption case
A top Democratic aide to California Gov. Gavin Newsom gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra is expected to plead guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud.
Dana Williamson — who served as Newsom’s chief of staff between 2022 and 2024, and also ran Becerra’s state attorney general campaign in 2018 — is expected to enter the plea Thursday, the Sacramento Bee reported.
Rival candidates, including Tom Steyer and Katie Porter, have raised concerns about Becerra’s knowledge of the campaign finance scandal and potential liability. AP
The Sacramento Bee reported that at least one offer had been on the table for several days. REUTERS
The 53-year-old political consultant has not yet formally entered a plea to the 23 allegations and charges she is facing, including diverting funds from one of Becerra’s inactive campaign accounts eight years ago.
Court documents filed last month show that Williamson and prosecutors had been actively negotiating an agreement that would be announced in court.
The Sacramento Bee reported that at least one offer had been on the table for several days.
The timing comes as Democrats face mounting pressure to unite behind a candidate in the crowded gubernatorial race amid fears of a Republican qualifying in the primaries.
Williamson’s connection to Becerra is a topic of concern following the exit of disgraced ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell from the race over accusations of sexual assault.
Becerra is currently polling at the top and emerged as a frontrunner after Swalwell’s exit.
Becerra is currently polling at the top and emerged as a frontrunner after Swalwell’s exit. David McGlynn for CA Post
Rival candidates, including Tom Steyer and Katie Porter, have raised concerns about Becerra’s knowledge of the campaign finance scandal and potential liability.
Becerra was not charged in the federal corruption probe, which alleges Williamson, former chief of staff Sean McCluskie and lobbyist Greg Campbell funneled campaign money to McCluskie’s wife through a no-show job.
The indictment says Becerra was told Williamson would be paid $10,000 per month from his dormant campaign account, but not that the money would go to McCluskie’s spouse. McCluskie and Campbell pleaded guilty last fall, while Williamson has not yet entered a plea. Becerra called learning of the scheme a “gut punch,” and prosecutors view him as a victim.
An anonymous complaint alleges Becerra violated campaign laws by paying $74,228 to Williamson’s firm. While Becerra maintains he is not a target, sentencing for co-defendants Campbell and McCluskie is set for June 4, and Williamson’s plea, if entered, will set a separate sentencing date.
