California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly praised his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, for her service to the state shortly after she was interviewed by the FBI in November 2024 as part of a federal investigation. Williamson, who officially left Newsom’s office in December 2024, was later indicted in November 2025 on charges including bank and wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false statements.
Newsom described Williamson, a Sacramento political veteran who served as a key liaison between the governor and various stakeholders, as someone whose "insight, tenacity, and big heart will be missed." He issued the statement in December 2024, a month after federal agents had interviewed her and placed her on leave.
Williamson pleaded guilty in May 2025 to a scheme to defraud a dormant campaign account associated with Xavier Becerra, Newsom's likely successor. The stolen funds were intended to cover personal expenses. Following her guilty plea, Newsom shifted his stance, stating her confessions were "just wrong" and denying any personal implication in the matter.
Federal investigators utilized Alexis Podesta, a lobbyist and member of a state board appointed by Newsom, who wore a wire as part of the probe into Williamson as early as June 2024. Podesta secretly recorded conversations as part of the investigation that ultimately led to Williamson’s indictment.
Critics described Williamson as a "bully" and a "mafia boss" who was known for being a tough negotiator. Gil Duran, a former co-worker under former Governor Jerry Brown, told CNN that Williamson had a reputation for being "reckless, for being irresponsible and for being a bully," adding that she "loved power and loved to abuse power."
Williamson's legal troubles have created a new political challenge for Newsom, who is reportedly preparing for a presidential run in 2028. He previously suggested that he and his wife were under investigation due to political retaliation from the Trump administration. While no direct link between Williamson's charges and a probe into the governor has been publicly disclosed, speculation persists.
Williamson's attorney indicated that his client had no information regarding Newsom when declining to cooperate with investigators. Sources familiar with the investigation have told The Post that federal agents have spent the past year examining the financial records of Newsom, his staff, and his wife. Newsom’s office has dismissed these investigations as baseless, calling them a "lawless fishing expedition" orchestrated by the White House to find incriminating evidence against the governor.