Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Faces ‘Mass Exodus’ of Staff Amid Toxic Workplace Allegations

News
Alex Jane
March 2, 2025
9 minutes read

(J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Almost all of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s (R-FL) staff has reportedly left during her time in office due to what sources describe as “nightmare” working conditions. According to multiple sources who spoke to The Daily Beast’s Juliegrace Brufke, a “punitive” and “toxic work culture” is to blame for what is being described as a “mass exodus” of staffers.

Brufke reported on X that Luna’s office has experienced “nearly 100 percent turnover.” Sources claim that out of the staffers who initially started with Luna in January, only one has remained. People familiar with the situation said the work environment felt like “walking on eggshells” and described a constant sense of uncertainty. “Anyone could be fired at any time,” one source said.

However, Luna’s Chief of Staff, Olivia Carson, pushed back against the allegations. “She has had staff who have been working for her for years without a single complaint—including myself,” Carson said in a statement. “I am her Deputy Chief of Staff and have personally been employed with her since before she assumed office in 2022; I can attest that all of your allegations are false.

To be clear: we have a very high standard of professionalism.” One former staffer, who was recovering from a miscarriage, recalled attempting to use the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to take unpaid leave. “I was accused of ‘taking advantage of the office’ and hit with punitive measures. My dream job turned into a nightmare,” she told The Daily Beast.

Anna Paulina Luna — Gage Skidmore/flickr

“This experience has only reinforced the systemic issues that female staffers face, particularly those who want to start families without the fear of professional repercussions or unjust double standards.” Luna, who recently became a mother, has been advocating for rule changes in the House of Representatives that would allow her to vote remotely while caring for her child in Florida.

“This place is completely out of touch with average Americans,” she said in January. Notably, Luna’s office is not the only one to face such allegations. Last year, Rep. Nancy Mace’s (R-SC) office also reportedly experienced a complete staff turnover, with one former staffer calling her “abusive.” As reports continue to surface, questions remain about the internal dynamics of certain congressional offices and the broader culture on Capitol Hill.