California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has requested that the FBI re-interview rival Xavier Becerra regarding a federal corruption case linked to the alleged misappropriation of $225,000 from Becerra’s campaign account. In a letter dated August 30, addressed to Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California Eric Grant, Hilton called for Becerra to be questioned again after three individuals associated with him were federally indicted in November 2025 and have since pleaded guilty.
The case involves allegations that money was funneled from Becerra’s inactive campaign account through a consulting firm owned by Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom, and ultimately to the wife of Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s longtime aide and former chief of staff. McCluskie, Williamson, and Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell have all pleaded guilty.
Hilton, along with California attorney general candidate Michael Gates, contends that new evidence warrants further questioning of Becerra regarding his knowledge of the payments. Hilton stated that Becerra should be placed under oath and asked direct questions about the matter, asserting that Becerra's previous responses have been inconsistent.
Hilton noted that Becerra was not the focus of the initial investigation, which centered on other individuals, but now that he is a candidate for governor, it is crucial to clarify his statements.
In the letter, Hilton and Gates highlighted allegations in the federal indictment involving “Public Official 1,” which Becerra has identified as himself. The indictment claims that McCluskie communicated with Public Official 1 regarding the payments and that he suggested $10,000 a month was a reasonable payment, with false campaign disclosures being reviewed by both McCluskie and Public Official 1.
Hilton expressed that communications between McCluskie and Williamson are part of the evidence that should be presented to Becerra. He stated, “That suggests that he did know,” and emphasized the need for transparency.
Becerra has consistently denied any knowledge of the payments being part of a criminal scheme, although he has provided varying accounts of his awareness. After the indictments, Becerra acknowledged knowing that payments were being made from his campaign account but claimed he was unaware of any illegal activities.
The federal indictment indicates that Becerra was informed that Williamson would receive $10,000 monthly for managing the campaign account, but he was allegedly not told that campaign funds would be directed to McCluskie or that McCluskie’s wife would hold a no-work position.
Becerra has stated that he believed the payments were legitimate fees and relied on McCluskie for management. Following Williamson's guilty plea, Becerra asserted, “I did nothing wrong. Case closed.”
Becerra's spokesman, Jonathan Underland, has claimed that Becerra was unaware of the scheme and that it was designed to mislead him. Federal prosecutors have characterized Becerra as a victim in the case and he has not been charged with any crime.
Hilton and Gates are not alone in questioning Becerra’s statements. Billionaire Tom Steyer’s campaign referenced comments from McGregor Scott, an attorney for Williamson, regarding evidence obtained during discovery that suggests McCluskie claimed to have cleared the arrangement with Becerra.
Steyer’s campaign spokesperson stated, “Becerra can’t tweet his way out of tough questions. Voters deserve to know about his role: Is he incompetent, or is he corrupt?”
Hilton defended his request for another FBI interview, asserting that voters should have access to all relevant facts before making a decision in the upcoming election. The demand for further questioning comes as the November election approaches, which could complicate any ongoing federal investigation involving a candidate. The U.S. Department of Justice has policies, known as the “60-day rule,” that generally discourage overt investigative actions close to an election if they could influence the outcome.
The California Post reached out to Becerra’s office and the FBI for comments, but neither provided a response.