A political operative who wore a wire for the FBI in a public corruption case involving former California Gov. Gavin Newsom's chief of staff is now the subject of multiple state ethics investigations, including one that involves a political committee tied to Xavier Becerra, a leading candidate for California governor. Alexis Podesta, described as an informant in the probe that led to the conviction of Dana Williamson, Newsom's former chief of staff, is under scrutiny by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
One investigation by the FPPC centers on allegations that Podesta failed to disclose more than $1 million in lobbying income. Another involves a political committee associated with Becerra, who is currently serving as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Williamson, who pleaded guilty to federal tax and wire fraud charges in May, reportedly entrusted much of her political consulting business to Podesta before joining Newsom's administration in late 2022. This included work on Becerra's political campaigns. Campaign records show Becerra maintained a political committee, potentially for a future run for state superintendent of public instruction, and The Podesta Company received at least $170,000 in 2023 and 2024 for campaign consulting services. Prosecutors allege that Williamson directed dormant campaign committees to send approximately $10,000 monthly to The Podesta Company for consulting, with the funds allegedly routed through another lobbyist's company before being paid to the spouse of a longtime Becerra political consultant for work that prosecutors claim was never performed.
Becerra has stated he was unaware of how his campaign accounts were being managed. He has not been accused of wrongdoing in the corruption probe, but the scrutiny surrounding his campaign committees has raised questions as he vies for the governorship.
Podesta is also facing two additional FPPC matters. One was initiated after her attorney self-reported potential disclosure violations. The other alleges she did not properly disclose the sources of over $1 million in lobbying income on required financial disclosure forms, instead listing only her company, The Podesta Company, as the source.
Williamson's attorney revealed that Podesta wore a wire during the FBI's investigation. This development has surprised some in the California Democratic political establishment, given Podesta's long-standing professional relationship with Williamson.
Gov. Newsom's office has maintained that Podesta's cooperation with the FBI is unrelated to any separate investigations involving the governor or his wife, and that the charges against Williamson stemmed from conduct prior to her employment in the administration. Newsom's spokeswoman stated there is no evidence connecting Podesta's cooperation to any investigation of the governor and characterized a Justice Department probe as a "lawless fishing expedition" directed by then-President Trump.
Despite the ongoing investigations, Podesta remains on the board of the State Compensation Insurance Fund, a position to which Newsom appointed her in 2020, where she receives an annual compensation of nearly $61,000. Political consultants suggest that removing her from this board while she is under investigation could create political complications for the administration.