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.
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.
California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.
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.
Rival candidates, including Tom Steyer and Katie Porter, have raised concerns about Becerra’s knowledge of the campaign finance scandal and potential liability.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
