Former aide sues Colorado lawmaker over alleged retaliation and campaign work pressure
Jennifer Chick filed a lawsuit claiming Rep. Sheila Lieder retaliated against her after she refused to assist with the legislator’s reelection campaign.
Former legislative aide Jennifer Chick sued Rep. Sheila Lieder, asserting that she endured retaliation after declining to work on Lieder’s reelection bid. Chick’s tenure, from December 2022 to August 13, 2024, ended when she described the environment as “unbearable,” claiming it caused post-traumatic stress disorder and obstructed her attempts to take medical leave. She alleges Lieder blocked a planned vacation, spread negative remarks about her communication skills, and pressured her to conduct campaign work at the Capitol without pay, including training an intern for campaign tasks.
The complaint expands to include House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran, accusing them of politicized handling of staff grievances. Chick contends the House’s discretionary hour-approval system enables pay cuts and retaliation, violating her due-process rights. The lawsuit is before Second Judicial District Judge Angela Boykins, an appointee of Governor Jared Polis.
Why it matters
The case highlights potential abuse of staff and campaign-funding rules within Colorado’s legislative offices.
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