California Treasurer to Face Trial for Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed by Former Employee
A judge has ruled that a civil lawsuit brought against California Treasurer Fiona Ma by a former employee alleging sexual harassment can proceed to trial. The former employee, Judith Blackwell, also accused Ma of racial discrimination and wrongful termination. The judge dismissed the allegations of racial discrimination and wrongful termination but stated that if believed by a jury, Blackwell's allegations could establish sexual harassment. Ma's office expressed satisfaction that some allegations were thrown out and looks forward to proving the remaining allegations false. Blackwell suffered a stroke in 2020 and claimed that upon her return to work, she was given extra tasks that kept her at work late. Ma, a Democrat, plans to run for lieutenant governor in 2026.