Story perspectives

Fiona Ma Settlement Sparks Union-Backed Battle for Lieutenant-Governor

6/2/2026

Left

Fiona Ma Scrutinized

Fiona Ma, backed by major labor unions, faces scrutiny after a $350,000 settlement of a 2021 sexual-harassment lawsuit.
California’s lieutenant-governor primary features an unusually competitive Democratic slate promising student-housing and tuition reforms tied to candidates’ professional histories.
Josh Fryday leads fundraising with nearly $4 million, supported by teachers unions and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Michael Tubbs, Stockton mayor, backed by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, urges tuition freeze.

Right

Newsom Office Mandate

The labor group warned the order would add thousands of car trips and tons of pollution, violating state law.
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered state employees to work in the office at least four days a week beginning July 1, 2026.
CASE filed a 194-page letter to the attorney general demanding an environmental review of order.
SEIU demanded free parking, $25 daily commuter stipend, $500 monthly high-crime site stipend, and deep-cleaning.

History

Historical Context

Assembly Bill 5, passed in 2019, forced gig firms to treat drivers as employees, prompting the 2020 Proposition 22 ballot that kept them independent contractors with a 59% vote. The law’s ripple led Governor Gavin Newsom to order state workers back to the office on July 1 2026, a move immediately challenged by the SEIU and other labor groups.

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Fiona Ma Scrutinized

Fiona Ma, backed by major labor unions, faces scrutiny after a $350,000 settlement of a 2021 sexual-harassment lawsuit.
California’s lieutenant-governor primary features an unusually competitive Democratic slate promising student-housing and tuition reforms tied to candidates’ professional histories.
Josh Fryday leads fundraising with nearly $4 million, supported by teachers unions and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Michael Tubbs, Stockton mayor, backed by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, urges tuition freeze.

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