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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Uwa Ede-Osifo in Los Angeles

California Democrat linked to Newsom and Becerra pleads guilty to fraud

Dana Williamson in dark sunglasses and a white top with a serious expression on her face
Dana Williamson leaves the US courthouse after pleading guilty to federal corruption and tax charges in Sacramento, California, on 14 May 2026. Photograph: Carlos Barría/Reuters

Dana Williamson, a top California political strategist with ties to the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom, and gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra, pleaded guilty on Thursday to fraud charges, an admission that is poised to fuel other candidates’ attacks in the race.

Federal authorities say Williamson conspired to steal $225,000 from a dormant campaign account belonging to Becerra, who was not named in the plea deal, and divert the money to his chief of staff, Sean McCluskie.

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