Newsom Responds to Dana Williamson’s Guilty Plea

Governor Gavin Newsom commented on Dana Williamson’s guilty plea related to a federal corruption case, describing her actions as “absolutely wrong” while asserting that he had no involvement in her actions.

“Honestly, I found out about it in the elevator,” Newsom shared after addressing California’s upcoming budget.

He added, “It’s really challenging. I’m thinking of my daughter, but my responsibilities also weigh heavily on my mind.” This was an emotional moment for him, clearly juggling private concerns with public duties.

Williamson, who served as Newsom’s chief of staff from 2022 to 2024, pleaded guilty to various charges including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, as well as filing misleading tax returns. The case, which began in November 2025, involved allegations of attempting to misappropriate $225,000 from a campaign finance account linked to Xavier Becerra.

As part of her plea agreement, the remaining charges against her will be dismissed. Newsom emphasized, “We all have to abide by the letter of the law,” reflecting a firm stance on ethical conduct.

When asked about Williamson’s admission to giving false statements to the FBI, Newsom remarked, “That was a mistake,” acknowledging the complexity of the situation.

The governor maintained that he has “no concerns” regarding any potential involvement in corruption investigations and reiterated the importance of high ethical standards, declaring, “This is just wrong.”