Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife have retained Washington defense lawyer Abbe Lowell as federal investigations intensify.
Abbe Lowell is a veteran white‑collar defense attorney who previously served as chief minority counsel for House Democrats during the Clinton impeachment and has represented a range of high‑profile political figures across the partisan spectrum.
The investigations involve two separate probes: one examining tax and financial arrangements linked to Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s nonprofit and production activities, and another focusing on former chief of staff Dana Williamson, who recently pleaded guilty in a federal fraud case.
Federal records show the Representation Project, a nonprofit founded by Siebel Newsom, paid her more than $1.9 million in compensation and awarded roughly $2.2 million in contracts to Girls Club Entertainment, a for‑profit production company she also owns.
Another nonprofit, the California Partners Project, has received nearly $5.1 million in payments reported as “behested” contributions, meaning they were solicited by the governor for charitable or governmental purposes rather than campaign financing.
Newsom and his wife contend that the investigations are politically motivated, describing them as a “fishing expedition” targeting a prominent Democratic figure.
In a recent news conference, Newsom said he expects contact from federal investigators and suggested the scrutiny is inevitable given the political climate.
The Justice Department and FBI have declined to comment on the matters, and the White House referred inquiries to the Justice Department.
