The Sacramento firm Downey Brand sued the California Senate on Thursday on behalf of a lawmaker forced to take a leave of absence after three women accused him of sexual harassment.

Sen. Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, and a constituent, Roger Bagne, contend the senator’s temporary ban leaves residents of the 32nd Senate District without representation. Mendoza is also questioning the process used to investigate and suspend him, and he has asked a judge to allow him to return to the Legislature.