California Treasurer Fiona Ma Faces Sexual Harassment Allegations, But Surges In Lt. Gov. Poll

Ma's former employee filed a lawsuit alleging unwanted sexual advances, but the case was later dropped.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Democratic California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who has faced sexual harassment allegations from a former employee, is currently surging in early polls for the 2026 lieutenant governor election. A recent poll shows Ma in second place overall with 18% support among likely statewide voters, while leading among Democratic voters with 28% support.

Why it matters

The sexual harassment allegations against Ma, which included claims of unwanted advances and inappropriate behavior, have raised questions about her conduct and fitness for higher office. However, her strong polling performance suggests voters may be willing to overlook the controversy, highlighting the complex dynamics of how such allegations can impact political campaigns.

The details

In 2021, Ma's former employee Judith Blackwell filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and wrongful termination. Blackwell claimed that Ma made unwanted sexual advances, including exposing herself and climbing into Blackwell's bed during a work trip. Ma has maintained her innocence, describing the incidents as "unremarkable events" that occur when people share living space. While a trial was initially set for 2024, the lawsuit was dropped by Blackwell just a month prior. The state later reached a $350,000 settlement with Blackwell, with no admission of liability by Ma or the state.

  • In September 2019, Blackwell began working under Ma as executive director of the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.
  • By January 2021, Blackwell was fired and replaced.
  • In 2021, Blackwell filed a lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court.
  • By 2023, a Sacramento County judge dismissed Blackwell's claims of wrongful termination and racial discrimination, but allowed the sexual harassment allegations to proceed.
  • In September 2024, a trial was set regarding the sexual allegations, but the lawsuit was dropped by Blackwell just a month prior.

The players

Fiona Ma

Democratic California State Treasurer who is currently surging in early polls for the 2026 lieutenant governor election, despite facing sexual harassment allegations from a former employee.

Judith Blackwell

Ma's former employee who worked as the executive director of the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and wrongful termination against Ma.

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What they’re saying

“From day one, I said this was a frivolous lawsuit filed by a disgruntled employee who fabricated claims in an attempt to embarrass me in hopes of receiving millions of dollars in a settlement. After three years of delay, I have been completely vindicated, and can continue my work on affordable housing, climate action and job creation without distraction.”

— Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer (Los Angeles Times)

“I cannot fathom how she thinks that she's been vindicated — my client has been vindicated. It seems like Ms. Ma does not feel like she did anything wrong. She's not taking responsibility for her actions, which is unfortunate.”

— Waukeen McCoy, Judith Blackwell's attorney (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The outcome of the 2026 California lieutenant governor election will be closely watched, as Fiona Ma's political future could be impacted by how voters respond to the sexual harassment allegations against her.

The takeaway

The case highlights the complex dynamics of how sexual harassment allegations can impact political campaigns, as Ma's strong polling performance suggests some voters may be willing to overlook the controversy, even as questions remain about her conduct and accountability.