Terry Schanz, chief of staff to California Democratic Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor, is facing formal human resources complaints and potential consequences for allegedly accosting journalist Nick Shirley outside the State Capitol on August 19. Schanz, who earns an annual salary of $207,828 in taxpayer-funded compensation, reportedly interrupted Shirley's interview while holding a sign that read, “Allegedly Nick Shirley Has a Small Penis. Prove Me Wrong.”
According to reports, Schanz then verbally amplified the personal attack, asking, “Did you guys hear that Nick Shirley has a small penis allegedly?”
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Shirley was interviewing politicians about Assembly Bill 2624, a bill authored by Democratic Assemblywoman Mia Bonta that seeks to protect immigrant-run businesses from online harassment and doxxing. Republicans have referred to the legislation as the “Stop Nick Shirley Act.” Shirley has previously criticized the bill, stating it was introduced after he reported on alleged fraud in immigrant communities in California and Minnesota.
The bill has passed the California Legislature and awaits a decision from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto it. The Senate passed the measure along strict party lines with a vote of 30-10.
This incident marks the latest controversy involving Schanz, a figure described as a Democratic power broker. Previously, his name appeared in a 2025 wrongful-termination lawsuit alleging political bullying and a toxic work environment within the Assembly leadership. In January, his office drew scrutiny over accusations of pressuring the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters to alter footage of McKinnor after a reporter posed a difficult question about a designer handbag.
As chairman of the Sacramento Democratic Party, Schanz has also faced accusations of aggressive political bullying and excluding political opponents from moderates and conservatives.