Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken faces allegations of drunken behavior, racial derogatory remarks, and harassment according to a newly released 25-page government claim filed by her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas. Ballinas, who has worked in Aitken's office since December 2022, alleges discrimination and retaliation based on her perceived sexual orientation, Mexican heritage, and Catholic faith. The filing also claims the city failed to adequately respond after concerns were raised.
The allegations include specific incidents from April 2025 through June 2026, involving behavior at City Council meetings, Disneyland, and team dinners. Aitken has directly denied using the racial slur attributed to her in a statement posted on Facebook last month, asserting that the allegations deserve to be investigated. Anaheim officials have stated a review of the allegations is underway as Aitken seeks another term in the November 3 election.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive advocates and labor representatives often view workplace harassment claims involving public officials as critical tests of institutional accountability. While specific liberal organizations have not issued a broad statement on this individual case, the filing highlights issues of racial and sexual identity discrimination that are central to progressive policy priorities. Ballinas alleges she was subjected to intrusive questioning about her sexuality and derogatory comments about her Mexican heritage, framing the issue as one of workplace equity and respect for diverse identities.
The claim asserts that Aitken made multiple derogatory comments concerning Ballinas's Mexican heritage, including referring to her as a "dirty Mexican." During an incident at Disneyland in May 2025, Ballinas stated she offered to drive Aitken after believing the mayor was too intoxicated to drive home safely, but Aitken allegedly declined because she refused to have "a Mexican" drive her. These allegations suggest a pattern of behavior that critics argue undermines the inclusive environment expected of public servants.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and local political opponents often scrutinize the personal conduct and character of public officials, particularly regarding issues of sobriety and public image. The allegations of Aitken arriving at a City Council meeting in April 2025 appearing "visibly impaired by alcohol" and searching through a colleague's vehicle while in transit have drawn attention to questions of professional decorum. Critics on the right may view these actions as indicative of a lack of discipline and respect for protocol and privacy.
In her defense, Mayor Aitken has emphasized her record on LGBTQ rights, stating, "I have always been a champion of the LGBTQ community," while denying the use of the racial slur. Conservative voices may also focus on the political timing of the allegations, given that Aitken is currently seeking re-election in the November 3 election. The narrative from this perspective often centers on whether the allegations represent a genuine workplace issue or a politically motivated effort to disrupt an incumbent's campaign.
What the Numbers Show
The government claim consists of 25 pages detailing specific incidents over a period from December 2022 to June 2026. Key data points include the date of the alleged impaired driving incident at a City Council meeting in April 2025 and the Disneyland incident in May 2025. Another specific incident occurred on June 10, 2026, at Disneyland's Club 33, where Ballinas alleges Aitken questioned her sexual orientation and that of a Disney cast member. Disney subsequently sent written correspondence to the Club 33 member whose membership was used, noting that cast members reported "rude, insensitive, and inappropriate remarks" during the outing.
Ballinas alleges she was forced to take leave beginning around July 31, following the reporting of conduct she believed violated workplace rules. The claim states that after a team dinner incident where Aitken's husband removed her from the event, Aitken knocked over a bicycle and later fell in the street. When Ballinas sought help for the mayor, the husband allegedly responded, "Don't we all?" The claim also notes that Aitken's husband later asked Ballinas to make a Venmo payment to compensate the bicycle's owner. Anaheim's election schedule places the next mayoral vote on November 3, 2026.
The Bottom Line
The release of this government claim introduces significant scrutiny into Mayor Ashleigh Aitken's conduct just weeks before the November 3 election. The allegations range from workplace harassment and discrimination to specific instances of public intoxication and unprofessional behavior. The city of Anaheim has confirmed that a review of the allegations is underway, and Aitken has pledged to participate in the process. Voters will likely consider these unresolved allegations alongside Aitken's denial of using the racial slur and her assertion of support for the LGBTQ community when casting their ballots.