Democrat Accused of ‘Creeping’ into Staffer’s Bed

California Democrats are facing a fresh political headache after explosive sexual harassment allegations against longtime state Treasurer Fiona Ma roared back into the spotlight just as she ramps up her campaign for lieutenant governor.

The scandal centers around claims from a former employee who accused the powerful California Democrat of exposing herself, climbing into bed with her during work trips, and then relying on taxpayer-funded lawyers while a massive settlement quietly brought the case to an end.

Now critics are asking a blunt question: Why were California taxpayers dragged into paying for the legal fallout?

Judith Blackwell, a former employee in Ma’s office, filed a lawsuit in 2021 accusing the state treasurer of repeated inappropriate conduct during overnight stays tied to work travel. According to court filings, Blackwell alleged Ma crawled into bed with her during one stay and repeatedly exposed her “bare rear end” to the employee while they were sharing hotel rooms and rental properties.

The allegations immediately sent shockwaves through California political circles, especially because the arrangement reportedly involved Ma sharing rooms with staffers as part of an effort to cut travel costs.

Ma denied the accusations were sexual in nature and blasted the lawsuit as “frivolous.” She insisted the incidents were “random” and “isolated,” arguing they did not amount to sexual harassment.

But the case did not simply disappear.

A Sacramento judge reportedly refused to fully dismiss the allegations, ruling that a jury could potentially see the incidents differently than Ma described them. While some claims were tossed out — including accusations of wrongful termination — the most damaging allegations remained alive long enough to create serious political trouble.

Then came the settlement.

Although Ma publicly argued she wanted her day in court, documents obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle reportedly showed the case was ultimately settled for $350,000.

That revelation ignited outrage among critics, especially after reports surfaced that Ma was represented by attorneys from California’s Department of Justice in addition to private lawyers — meaning taxpayer resources were used during the legal battle.

The controversy has now become political ammunition as Ma seeks higher office.

A newly formed political action committee with the lengthy name “No on Fiona Ma for Lieutenant Governor 2026 – Taxpayers Against Sexual Harassment by Government Officials” has already begun hammering the Democrat over the allegations and settlement.

The group is reportedly tied to supporters of former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, one of Ma’s rivals in the race.

Michael Gomez Daly, a spokesperson tied to the anti-Ma effort, accused the treasurer of misleading voters about the payout and demanded new rules banning elected officials from sharing hotel rooms with employees.

“Fiona Ma’s statement is a bold-faced lie,” Daly reportedly said, arguing the room-sharing arrangement itself created the conditions for the scandal.

The controversy has also revived uncomfortable questions about how Sacramento insiders handle misconduct allegations behind closed doors while ordinary taxpayers foot the bill.

According to reports, Ma also raised more than $170,000 from donors for legal expenses and transferred another $50,000 from her lieutenant governor campaign account into her legal defense fund.

Before the scandal exploded publicly, Ma had reportedly been eyeing a run for California governor. But after the lawsuit and settlement surfaced, she shifted her political ambitions toward the lieutenant governor race instead.

Now, with the accusations back in headlines and political opponents circling, the once-routine campaign is shaping up to be one of the ugliest Democratic primary battles California has seen in years.