Dana Williamson, former top aide to Gavin Newson, was charged with criminal conspiracy to take money from a campaign fund belonging to Xavier Becerra, a former Biden cabinet member

Nov. 13, 2025

Dana Williamson, a former top aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Cal.), was arrested on Wednesday in an alleged conspiracy to take approx. $225,000 in funds from a dormant political campaign for an associate’s personal use. The campaign account belonged to Xavier Becerra. The U.S. Attorney's Office for California's eastern district claimed that the money was laundered in such a way to pay for what was essentially a no-show job. The investigation leading to the arrest began over three years ago.

Further Reading :

• Former Aide to Gavin Newsom Charged With Corruption [The New York Times]
  Nov. 12, 2025 — Dana Williamson, a top Democratic consultant in California, was accused of conspiring to skim over $200,000 in campaign funds that belonged to a Biden administration official.
• Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff departs, former Kamala Harris aide named replacement [The Sacramento Bee]
  Dec. 16, 2024 — Nathan Barankin, a former longtime adviser to Kamala Harris, has taken over as chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the governor’s office announced Monday. He replaces Dana Williamson, who has served as Newsom’s top deputy since January 2023.
• Who's in Gavin Newsom's orbit ? [POLITICO]
  July 10, 2023 — Gavin Newsom casts a wide net for advice. His inner circle is considerably smaller.

Source Documents :

• Indictment of Dana Williamson : Eric Grant
  Political consultant Dana Williamson, 53, of Carmichael, Cal., was charged by a Federal grand jury with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, subscribing to false tax returns, and making false statements.The 23-count indictment was unsealed following Williamson’s arrest.

Key Words :

• Dana Williamson
• Gavin Newsom
• Xavier Becerra