Two Campaign Officials Plead Guilty to Embezzling Over $880,000

Omar Navarro, a four-time Republican candidate for California's 43rd Congressional District, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for funneling tens of thousands of dollars in campaign funds for personal use, including trips and legal fees. Navarro conspired with his mother, Dora Asghari, who pleaded guilty to lying to FBI investigators related to the scheme. Separately, Katherine Margaret Buchanan, a longtime political campaign treasurer and compliance consultant from Alexandria, Virginia, pleaded guilty to embezzling over $840,000 in campaign contributions from multiple Democratic candidates and committees between 2020 and 2024, including those connected to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Buchanan also committed tax evasion, underreporting income by $671,200 from 2017 to 2022. She used the misappropriated funds for personal expenses such as luxury travel, a Peloton bike, dining, and concert tickets. Both cases highlight ongoing issues with the misuse of campaign funds and the legal consequences for those responsible.