Fiona Ma, the California state treasurer, is running as a Democrat for lieutenant governor in the Nov. 3 general election against Republican Gloria Romero.

Ma, a licensed certified public accountant, said on her campaign website that her experience in financial oversight and budgeting gives her a unique perspective on putting state resources to work. She said she knows the state budget "inside and out, and how to get the most value for your tax dollars."

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Current office: California state treasurer (2019–present)
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Rochester Institute of Technology (1988); master's degree in taxation, Golden Gate University (1992); MBA, Pepperdine University (2000)

Experience and public service

Ma said she is the first woman of color and first woman CPA elected as California state treasurer. She won the office Nov. 6, 2018, she said. She won re-election in 2022.

She served on the California State Board of Equalization for District 2 (2014–2019), according to BallotReady. She represented District 12 in the California State Assembly (2006–2012), where she said she served as majority whip and later speaker pro tempore. Before that, she served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for District 4 (2002–2006).

Ma worked as a district representative for state Senator John L. Burton (1995–2001) and at Ernst & Young (1988–1994), according to BallotReady.

On the issues

Economy and budget: Ma said as treasurer she oversees the disbursement of $3.7 trillion per year and manages an investment portfolio of $150-$250 billion per year. As lieutenant governor, she said she would fight to grow the economy, attract investment and create high-quality jobs.

Housing: Ma said that as a real estate tax accountant, she is committed to building more housing so everyone can afford to live in California.

Healthcare: Ma said that having lived with a pre-existing condition and having seen her mother struggle with depression, she will continue fighting for healthcare access.

Public safety: Ma said that as the spouse of a firefighter, she will champion first responders. She said her legislation ending human trafficking in massage parlors, giving domestic abuse survivors more rights in the courtroom and banning toxic chemicals in baby products were signed into state law.

Environment and investing: Ma said she serves on the boards of the California Public Employees' Retirement System and the California State Teachers' Retirement System, where she said she advocates for climate-smart investing.

Endorsements

The following endorsements are listed on Ma's campaign website, her social media accounts or reported by BallotReady:

  • Eleni Kounalakis, California lieutenant governor
  • Dr. Shirley N. Weber, California secretary of state
  • Assemblymember Buffy Wicks
  • Senator John Laird
  • California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
  • AFL-CIO
  • North State Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters
  • California Professional Firefighters
  • California Teachers' Association
  • United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)
  • Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)
  • Communication Workers of America (CWA)
  • AFSCME Local 3299
  • State Building and Construction Trades Council of California
  • South Bay Labor Council
  • San Diego Building & Construction Trades Council
  • Peace Officers Research Association of California
  • California Association of Highway Patrolmen
  • Los Angeles County Democrats
  • San Diego County Democratic Party
  • Santa Clara County Democrats
  • Alameda County Democrats
  • Fresno County Democrats
  • Riverside County Democrats
  • California - Orange County Democrats
  • Pacific Palisades Democratic Club
  • Heart of LA Democratic Club
  • Los Angeles Stonewall Democrats
  • Fresno Stonewall Democrats
  • Alice B Toklas Democratic Club
  • The United Democratic Club
  • San Diego Democrats for Equality
  • San Francisco Women's Political Committee
  • National Women's Political Caucus of California
  • Planned Parenthood of San Diego, Riverside, Imperial
  • Planned Parenthood of Orange, San Bernadino
  • Community Action Fund of Planned Parenthood Orange San Bernardino Counties
  • Monterey County Farm Bureau
  • San Francisco Bay Times Editorial Board
  • Bay Area Reporter Editorial Board

Candidate responses are drawn from Ma's campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire data. Policy positions reflect the candidate's own statements.