Terry Schanz, chief of staff to Democratic Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor and an individual who earns over $200,000 annually in taxpayer-funded compensation, interrupted an interview conducted by journalist Nick Shirley outside the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Schanz approached Shirley, who was conducting a sidewalk interview, while holding a piece of paper that read, “Allegedly Nick Shirley Has a Small Penis. Prove Me Wrong.”
Schanz then questioned Shirley, asking, “Did you guys hear that Nick Shirley has a small penis allegedly?” He further elaborated, stating, “Well I don’t know, this is what they’re reporting. Prove me wrong. It was good enough for Charlie Kirk, prove me wrong.” Shirley, appearing unimpressed, responded, “Wow that’s so adult of you. You have never seen it. You would never see it.” The exchange concluded with Shirley taking the papers, prompting Schanz to demand their return.
The incident occurred while Shirley was questioning politicians about Assembly Bill 2624, a bill authored by Democratic Assemblywoman Mia Bonta. The legislation aims to provide protections for immigrant-run businesses, including healthcare providers, against "online harassment" and doxxing. Republicans have referred to the bill as the "Stop Nick Shirley Act," with Shirley asserting that the legislation was introduced after he "exposed widespread fraud in immigrant communities" in Minnesota.
Assembly Bill 2624 has passed the California Legislature and awaits a decision from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto the measure. The Senate previously passed the bill by a vote of 30-10 along strict party lines.
This is not the first time Schanz has been involved in controversy. His name has previously surfaced in connection with a 2025 wrongful-termination lawsuit that included allegations of political bullying and a toxic workplace culture within the leadership of the Assembly. Additionally, his office faced scrutiny in January over claims that it had pressured CalMatters to censor footage of a reporter asking Assemblywoman McKinnor a question regarding an expensive designer handbag. As the Sacramento Democratic Party chair, Schanz has also been accused by local moderates and conservatives of aggressive political bullying and ostracizing opponents.