Executive Summary
- Governor Gavin Newsom expressed “real surprise and shock” regarding the arrest of his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, on federal fraud charges.
- Williamson faces a 23-count federal indictment including conspiracy, bank and wire fraud, and obstruction; she has pleaded not guilty.
- Newsom’s office was aware of an FBI investigation into Williamson a year before her arrest, leading to her being placed on leave and subsequent departure in December 2024.
- The governor stated he has not been interviewed by the FBI and does not believe he is the target of the investigation, despite claims from Williamson’s lawyer.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday described his reaction to the federal indictment of his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, as a “real surprise and shock” in his first public remarks on the matter. Williamson was arrested by the FBI last week and faces a 23-count indictment on charges including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, obstruction, and falsifying tax returns. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Federal prosecutors allege Williamson, alongside lobbyist Greg Campbell and former Deputy State Attorney General Sean McCluskie, orchestrated a scheme to misappropriate $225,000 from dormant campaign accounts of former Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Williamson is also accused of improperly claiming $1 million in business deductions for personal expenses such as private jet travel and luxury goods.
In an interview, Governor Newsom stated that his office was first alerted to an FBI investigation involving Williamson a year ago. “As soon as we found out about it, my legal folks came over and we moved to place her on leave,” Newsom said. He confirmed she was placed on administrative leave and officially left her position the following month, in December 2024.
The governor also confirmed he has not been interviewed by the FBI and did not receive a letter informing him of wiretaps, which have been sent to other political figures in Sacramento. He addressed claims from Williamson’s attorney that the arrest was retaliation for her refusal to cooperate in an investigation targeting Newsom himself. “That was certainly not reflected in the indictment itself,” Newsom stated. “There’s nothing specific in that respect, or at least connects me.”
The investigation also appears to have links to a 2021 sexual harassment lawsuit against gaming company Activision Blizzard. Prosecutors allege Williamson, while chief of staff, passed on information about the state’s case to a lobbyist for the company. Newsom said he was not aware of any improper actions by Williamson concerning the case. He noted that a major donor to his 2021 recall defense, Casey Wasserman, who was on the Activision Blizzard board, is a friend of 30 years and that their relationship predates his political career.
The indictment against a former high-ranking official has sent ripples through California’s political landscape as the state heads toward the 2026 gubernatorial race. It is important to note that all individuals named in the indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.