Democrat operative Dana Williamson, after years of leading a luxury lifestyle, now faces numerous charges of fraud and false statements related to her alleged role in stealing campaign funds and mischaracterizing more than $1 million in self-indulgent spending as business expenses.
Williamson, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, was released on $500,000 bond after pleading not guilty Wednesday to 23 charges related to her political work. She is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to interfere with government function and obstruct justice, and false statements related to alleged crimes committed between February 2022 and September 2024, according to the indictment.
Williamson exited the governor’s office in December 2024. She owns a public affairs, lobbying, and political consulting business and is well known in California political circles. Williamson, who became Newsom’s chief of staff in 2022, was “hailed by her allies as the governor’s ‘political assassin,’” according to Politico, and Newsom praised “her insight, tenacity, and big heart” when she left the position.