California Democrat Accused of Racial Discrimination, Retaliation in Lawsuit

A California Democratic lawmaker is facing allegations of fostering a racially discriminatory environment within her office and retaliating against a whistleblower, according to a lawsuit filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court. Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, a freshman Democrat representing Concord, is accused of mistreating Black employees, assigning them less desirable tasks, and ultimately retaliating against her former district director, Pa’tanisha Davis Pierson.

The lawsuit claims that Black employees were routinely subjected to mistreatment, bullying, and were pushed out of their positions. It also alleges that Black interns received less recognition than their non-Black colleagues.

According to the complaint, the alleged retaliation began on September 29, 2025, after Davis Pierson reported that field representative Jessica Cisneros was conducting campaign work during state-paid hours from within the taxpayer-funded district office. Weeks later, Davis Pierson claims she was stripped of supervisory responsibilities and isolated from colleagues.

The situation escalated on November 13, 2025, when Cisneros allegedly confronted Davis Pierson in a hallway and “intentionally made offensive physical contact with [Davis Pierson] by body-checking her,” the suit states. This incident occurred shortly after the Assembly’s Workplace Conduct Unit opened an investigation into Davis Pierson’s whistleblower complaint.

Further allegations include instances of unwanted physical contact by Ávila Farías herself. On January 5, the lawmaker allegedly forced Davis Pierson into a hug despite their ongoing workplace conflict. The lawsuit also details claims of retaliation regarding medical accommodations. Davis Pierson alleged that after disclosing a medical condition and requesting accommodations, including time off for a procedure, a hybrid work schedule, and lifting restrictions, officials revoked her approved schedule, denied accommodations, and subjected her to increased scrutiny.

Davis Pierson resigned in April, stating that the alleged discrimination, retaliation, and hostile working conditions forced her departure. She is now working as an administrative law judge.

Ávila Farías has denied the accusations. “I vigorously deny the allegations and will defend against them through the appropriate legal process,” the assemblymember told CalMatters. She also defended her hiring practices, asserting that her staff is among the most diverse in the Legislature and reflects the communities of Contra Costa County. Officials in Ávila Farías’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuit names both Ávila Farías and the California Assembly as defendants, with causes of action including whistleblower retaliation, racial discrimination, harassment, and disability discrimination. Davis Pierson's attorneys declined to comment on the filing.

Ávila Farías, who took office in December 2024, is seeking reelection on November 3 in her district. She has previously taken controversial stances, including advocating for legislation to prevent ICE agents from becoming police officers or teachers in California.