A simmering rift between state Sen. Jacob Candelaria (DTS-Bernalillo) and Mimi Stewart, state Senate president pro tem (D-Bernalillo), escalated into Candelaria suing Stewart for violating New Mexico's Human Rights Act. 

Candelaria, a former Democrat, claims Stewart retaliated against him by improperly handling an investigation into comments made by Rachel Gudgel, executive director of a state legislative committee. Candelaria alleges that Stewart approved an investigation into accusations of workplace discrimination against Gudgel last summer, but did not share the results.

"What I'm really out for here is to send a clear message that no matter how elite or powerful people believe themselves to be in state government, no matter where they are, they have a responsibility to the law," Candelaria told KOB 4. "When supervisors and agency heads across government see discrimination going on but do nothing to stop it and worse yet, empower it, embolden it, continue to support it, that is also unlawful.”

The suit states that Stewart retaliated against Candelaria by moving his office in the Roundhouse from one on the ground floor with a window to a less desirable location on the third floor without a window. Stewart also allegedly moved Candelaria's seat on the Senate Floor to a less desirable location in the front row, according to KOB 4.

“These are petty forms of retaliation, but they're illegal,” Candelaria said. “Where your office is, and where your seat is not an insignificant matter. It typically comes with years of seniority and it matters a great deal for a whole bunch of reasons."

Candelaria is demanding that Stewart admit she failed in her responsibilities and resign. Otherwise, he plans to take the case to trial. 

"She violated the law; she needs to be held accountable," Candelaria said.