Dana Williamson, a prominent California political strategist with close ties to Governor Gavin Newsom and gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, pleaded guilty on Thursday to federal corruption and tax charges. The admission is expected to intensify attacks in the race for governor.
Details of the Guilty Plea
Federal prosecutors allege that Williamson conspired to embezzle $225,000 from a dormant campaign account belonging to Becerra, who was not named in the plea agreement. The funds were diverted to Sean McCluskie, Becerra's chief of staff, disguised as payments to McCluskie's spouse for work that was never performed.
McCluskie had accepted a pay cut to join Becerra when Becerra became U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in 2021. He entered a plea deal in December 2025.
Political Fallout
Becerra has maintained his innocence, stating he was unaware of the scheme. However, his opponents have seized on the scandal. Billionaire Tom Steyer, a rival in the governor's race, said, "We know that Xavier Becerra likely broke state law, and now he's at the center of an ongoing criminal investigation. Democrats cannot afford to wake up on June 3 and discover we've got a criminal on our hands."
Former Congresswoman Katie Porter, also running for governor, described Becerra as "too big of a risk" for voters due to his proximity to the scandal.
Becerra responded on social media, writing, "My opponents have spent millions spreading lies to purposefully mislead voters. Today confirms what I have said from day one: I did nothing wrong. Case closed."
Williamson's Influence and Additional Charges
Williamson wielded significant influence in Sacramento, having served as chief of staff to Newsom and cabinet secretary under former Governor Jerry Brown. In addition to the fraud charge, she pleaded guilty to making false statements about the campaign fund scheme and filing false tax returns, claiming approximately $1.7 million in personal expenses as business deductions.
Her sentencing is scheduled for July. Williamson faces up to 38 years in prison.
