If anyone is shocked by the federal indictment of Dana Williamson — Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff — then they haven’t been paying attention. This isn’t a plot twist; it’s just another chapter in the long, depressing saga of corruption that runs deep through Sacramento’s Democrat-dominated political machine. And yes, it’s even worse than most people think.
For years, California Democrats have operated with a supermajority arrogance that practically screams, “We can do whatever we want.” And when you control almost every lever of power — from the attorney general’s office to most DA offices — accountability becomes optional. Party loyalty becomes the shield, and corruption flourishes behind it.
Williamson is a perfect example of how this system operates. A well-known Democratic operative with a reputation for her mafia-like political style, she was exactly the kind of enforcer Newsom wanted running his office. Now she stands accused of illegally laundering around $225,000 in campaign funds to reward political allies in her inner circle. In Sacramento, this isn’t unusual — it’s practically how business gets done.
Why would someone steal money just to give it away? Simple: in California’s political swamp, consultants help other consultants, all expecting favors in return. It’s corruption wrapped in loyalty, tied with a bow of insider privilege.
Williamson is also accused of trading access to the governor’s office for a former client and major Democratic donor. Corporate players often hire political operatives during their time out of government, betting they’ll deliver once they return to official posts. Nothing shocking — but deeply corrupt.
What is shocking is how long this was allowed to slide. The allegations were whispered in political circles for years, and still no state or local enforcement lifted a finger. Instead? The former executive director of the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission — the ethics watchdog! — donated $1,000 to Williamson’s legal defense fund. You can’t make this stuff up. The watchdogs aren’t watching; they’re protecting the insiders.
Even Attorney General Rob Bonta — California’s top cop — is under scrutiny. Federal investigators are digging into Bay Area political figures tied to him, and he’s had to burn nearly $500,000 in campaign funds on criminal defense lawyers. Yes, the guy who’s supposed to enforce the law is busy fighting off federal inquiries of his own.
All of this points to one truth: California’s only hope for accountability comes from Washington, D.C. And the moment the feds step in, Sacramento politicians cry that they’re being targeted — Newsom even claimed the charges against Williamson were politically motivated by President Trump. Of course he did.
Now, to be fair, corruption isn’t exclusive to Democrats — some Republicans have fallen into their own swamp behavior, competing for donors instead of working together and turning campaigns into personal piggy banks. It’s not illegal, but it’s embarrassing, and it’s one of the reasons the GOP struggles to be an effective opposition force in California.
But let’s be crystal clear: only one party runs this state, only one party controls the institutions, and only one party has weaponized power to shield its own corruption. And that’s the Democratic Party.
If Californians want change — real change — they need transparency. They need to understand just how this insider system operates, how it protects itself, and how ordinary citizens pay the price.
Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and thankfully, accountability is finally making its way to Sacramento — even if it has to arrive from Washington. And that’s a step in the right direction for a state that desperately needs it.
