The city of Fresno’s lobbyist in Sacramento has agreed to plead guilty in a federal corruption case that also targeted officials for Gov. Gavin Newsom and former state Attorney General and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Now, the Fresno City Council is prepared to cancel his contract.

Greg Campbell has served as the city’s lobbyist since 2016. Last week, he agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, and one count of defrauding the United States. The story broke Wednesday.

The federal government charged Campbell in a conspiracy with Newsom’s former chief of staff Dana Williamson; Sean McCluskie, a former aide to Becerra; and Alexis Podesta, a Democratic political consultant, according to several media reports.

According to the indictments, Williamson and Podesta funneled money from Becerra’s political account to one controlled by McCluskie. The money was allegedly routed through Campbell’s firm.

Williamson pleaded not guilty in federal court Wednesday to several charges. Like Campbell, McCluskie accepted a plea deal. Podesta has not been charged.

“After thoughtful consideration and input from Councilmembers, the City will be exercising its right to move forward with the termination of our agreement with the lobbying firm,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said.

Campbell Under City Contract

The city council approved the most recent contract with Sacramento-based Campbell Strategy and Advocacy, LLC on May 12, 2022, by a 7-0 vote — a two-year contract for $180,000 per year. The contract also called for two one-year extensions, expiring June 30, 2026.

The city contract can be canceled with seven days’ notice, with or without cause. Campbell would have to return “any and all unearned payment.”

“Greg Campbell is widely recognized as a highly influential lobbyist. He has nearly two decades of experience as a State Capitol staffer,” the 2022 city staff report said.

City Councilmember Miguel Arias said he plans to place an item on next week’s agenda to cancel the Campbell contract. The city council next meets Nov. 20.

“I have long questioned the value this vendor brings and have previously proposed eliminating their funding in past budgets. Their involvement and admission of corruption charges speak for themselves,” Arias said.

Arias added that strong relationships with Democratic state representatives — such as former Councilmember turned Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno — and the city’s relationship with Newsom “will not diminish our access or advocacy in Sacramento.”

Other councilmembers support the move.

Annalisa Perea, a city councilmember running for state Assembly in 2026, supports canceling the contract.

“We have a duty to expect nothing but the highest standards of integrity from our vendors,” Perea said.

Said Councilmember Nick Richardson: “I hold the people who work for my constituents to a very high standard of personal conduct. Shady financial dealings aren’t tolerated, illegal or otherwise.”

Richardson noted that Campbell is innocent until proven guilty.

Campbell’s Attorney: He Takes ‘Full Accountability’

Campbell’s attorney, Todd Pickles, praised his client.

“I know Greg Campbell to be an honorable former public servant and a positive and respected member of the community who has conducted himself with integrity through this deeply challenging process. Mr. Campbell takes full accountability for his actions and is cooperating fully with the legal process,” Pickles said.

Pickles said Campbell will address the charges “at the appropriate time.”

On his firm’s website, Campbell lists a wide range of clients, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and several sports betting entities.

Plea Agreement

In the plea agreement filed with the court, the federal government agreed to recommend a sentence at the low end of the guideline range. Campbell also must pay $225,000 in restitution to his victim — the United States.

The maximum sentence is five years in prison for each count. Sentencing guidelines suggest a 27- to 33-month term.