Sexual harassment lawsuits against California Democratic Party prompt credibility crisis

LOS ANGELES - The California Democratic Party has staked its brand and platform on principles of diversity, equality and inclusion in the era of Trump and the #MeToo movement.

But now the party is grappling with a credibility crisis after it was hit with multiple lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and workplace retaliation by its former leader. And with a crucial election year approaching, some within the party worry that the legal troubles could hurt efforts to raise money and inspire volunteers.

While Democrats nationwide have focused on issues of sexual misconduct and workplace bias, the state party now faces allegations that its leaders failed to address problems within their own ranks.

The concerns have sparked a push for new reforms and to better understand what went wrong.

"It's an existential decision that we are making that we are going to live our values, that we are going to insist that our new leadership have accountability," said Christine Pelosi, daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and chair of the state party's Women's Caucus.