According to Wikipedia, C.M. Blasey Ford has an academic PHD from the Univ. of Southern California (1996). Unless you know some inaccuracy of that claim, it is common practice that PHD’s be called “Doctor”. An exception to this rule is Honorary Doctorates, where, in my experience, some use “Dr.” and some don’t.
She MAY be a Phd but she is not licensed in California to act as a “professional” - being a practicing doctor. I have a Doctor of Divinity, cost me $25 and a stamp. I don’t call myself “Doctor”.