Ex-aide to California governor indicted for alleged theft of campaign funds from ex-health secretary
Nov 12, 2025, 1:32 PM | Updated: 4:20 pm
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A former top aide to California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been indicted on federal charges alleging her involvement in a scheme to steal campaign money from former federal Health Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Dana Williamson was arrested and was scheduled to make her first court appearance Wednesday in Sacramento. It was not immediately clear if she had an attorney who could speak on her behalf.
The federal indictment lists four other co-conspirators. It alleges that Williamson was part of a scheme involving Sean McCluskie, who was Becerra’s chief of staff at the time of the alleged conduct.
Becerra is a former California attorney general who was appointed health secretary by former President Joe Biden. He is not implicated in the indictment.
The indictment alleges that the two took money from Becerra’s dormant campaign account and funneled it to McCluskie. It alleges they stole about $225,000 over a period of more than two years.
Williamson was Newsom’s chief of staff from late 2022 until late 2024.
“Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration. While we are still learning details of the allegations, the Governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity,” a spokesperson for Newsom said in a statement.
Becerra could not immediately be reached for comment.
