Former Newsom Aide Faces Federal Charges in Campaign Fund Scheme
A former senior aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom has been indicted on federal charges for her alleged involvement in a scheme to steal campaign funds from Xavier Becerra, the former US health secretary.
Dana Williamson, who served as Newsom's chief of staff from late 2022 until late 2024, was arrested and scheduled to make her first court appearance on Wednesday in Sacramento. The indictment lists four other co-conspirators in the alleged plot.
The Alleged Fraud Scheme
According to federal prosecutors, Williamson conspired with Sean McCluskie, who served as Becerra's chief of staff at the time of the alleged misconduct. The scheme involved taking money from Becerra's dormant campaign account and funnelling approximately $225,000 to McCluskie over more than two years.
Becerra, a former California attorney general appointed as health secretary by President Joe Biden, is not implicated in the indictment. The investigation began more than three years ago, according to FBI Sacramento special agent in charge Sid Patel, indicating it started under the Biden administration.
Williamson faces 23 federal charges including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstructing justice, subscribing to false tax returns and making false statements. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 20 years in prison.
Political Fallout and Response
A spokesperson for Governor Newsom confirmed that Williamson no longer serves in the administration and stated: "While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity."
Williamson represents a significant figure in California Democratic politics. She previously served as cabinet secretary for former governor Jerry Brown before opening her own political affairs firm. Her political connections run deep - she managed Becerra's campaign when he ran for attorney general in 2018, before rejoining state government as Newsom's chief of staff.
The indictment comes at a sensitive time for Newsom, who was photographed attending the UN Climate Change Conference (Cop30) in Belém, Brazil, on Tuesday. The timing highlights the contrast between the governor's international climate advocacy and domestic political challenges.
Becerra could not immediately be reached for comment on the developments involving his former campaign manager and chief of staff.
