Pa’tanisha Davis Pierson, a former district director for Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, has filed a lawsuit against the first-term Democratic lawmaker and the California Assembly alleging racial discrimination and whistleblower retaliation. The lawsuit, filed Oct. 21 in Contra Costa Superior Court, claims that Ávila Farías retaliated against Davis Pierson after she reported to the Assembly human resources department that a staff member was performing campaign work on state time.
Davis Pierson, who is Black, alleges that the assemblymember stripped her of her responsibilities following the report. The complaint further accuses Ávila Farías of racial discrimination, claiming the lawmaker yelled at Black interns and staff and assigned them less desirable work than other employees. Davis Pierson also stated she received an “unwanted hug” in the months before submitting her resignation letter in April.
Workplace Conduct Unit Investigates Allegations and Retaliation Claims
The Assembly’s Workplace Conduct Unit launched an investigation into the allegations on Nov. 3. According to the lawsuit, ten days after that investigation began, the employee Davis Pierson had reported “body-checked” her in a district office hallway. That employee remains employed by Ávila Farías.
A former aide is suing California Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, alleging the lawmaker harassed her and drove her to resign after she reported potential ethics violations.Farías told me she "vigorously" denies the allegations and will defend against them. pic.twitter.com/puQiStupz9
The lawsuit also targets the Assembly human resources department, alleging it retaliated against Davis Pierson by denying requests for a hybrid schedule and time off following a medical procedure shortly after she filed her whistleblower report.
Responses and Legal Standing
In an emailed statement, Ávila Farías vigorously denied the allegations and stated she would defend herself through the legal process. She added that she is proud of having one of the most diverse staffs in the Legislature.
Lia Lopez, Chief Administrative Officer of the Assembly Rules Committee, stated the committee is aware of the lawsuit but declined to comment due to pending litigation and personnel issues.
Davis Pierson began working in the Concord office in January 2025 and had been on the job for less than nine months when she made the whistleblower report. Ávila Farías is seeking reelection in her district this November.
The Workplace Conduct Unit has not responded to inquiries regarding the status of its investigation, and Davis Pierson and her attorneys, Stefano Abbasciano and David Pearson, did not immediately return requests for comment.
