Federal lawsuit filed against Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, alleging sexual harassment

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — A former staffer at the North Carolina Insurance Department filed a federal lawsuit, alleging sexual harassment, against Insurance Commissioner Michael Causey.

According to court documents, the plaintiff, April Taylor, worked at the department for nearly two decades before she filed a civil complaint, claiming Causey broke federal workplace laws on sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Taylor argues that alleged isolation and “unwanted sexual advances” with Causey increased the impact of existing mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, leading to her resignation in March of 2026.

“Causey knew that she trusted him, knew that her status as one of his hires left her employment unusually dependent upon his favor, and repeatedly encouraged her to bring workplace concerns directly to him,” says Taylor’s lawyers in the complaint.

The complaint also says that Causey was a family friend, who she encouraged to run for Insurance Commissioner back in 2016.

Causey was elected for a third term in 2024.

A court date has not been set at this time.