Ma Held Campaign Kickoff Event In Westwood At The Persian Gulf Cafe
By Dolores Quintana
State Treasurer Fiona Ma, a Democrat, and Certified Public Accountant, officially declared her candidacy for California’s Lieutenant Governor in the upcoming 2026 elections. If successful, Ma would make history as the state’s first elected Asian-American Lieutenant Governor and the second woman to hold the position. She would also be the first Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to be elected to the role. She held an official campaign kickoff party in Westwood at The Persian Gulf Cafe on Thursday.
In her announcement, Ma highlighted her extensive experience in public office, spanning over two decades. She emphasized her commitment to improving various aspects of the state, including housing supply, environmental issues, education systems, and the economy. Ma pledged to take bold action on ambitious climate change and energy goals, promote equality, attract higher-quality jobs, and expand access to healthcare, housing, and education. She underscored the importance of California remaining an economic leader and supporting small, family-owned businesses.
Treasure Ma said, via a press statement, “With more than two decades of experience in public office, I am uniquely qualified to be California’s second-highest ranking elected official — where I will continue to be a powerful advocate for improving our state’s housing supply, environment, education systems, and economy. California needs proven leadership to take on bold action to meet our ambitious climate change and energy goals, level the playing field and attract better quality jobs for all Californians while expanding access to healthcare, housing, and education. I am committed to ensuring California remains an economic leader and powerhouse, investing in the small, family owned businesses and the people that are the foundation of our success.”
At 57 years old, Ma has been serving as California’s 34th State Treasurer since 2019. Her initial election in 2018 marked a historic achievement, as she received the highest number of votes (7,825,587) for a Treasurer candidate in the state’s history. As Treasurer, Ma has been instrumental in navigating the state’s finances during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also played a pivotal role in revamping affordable housing and homeless housing programs, funding clean energy projects, and promoting education savings for Californians. Additionally, she has been a staunch advocate for divestment from fossil fuels within the state’s pension funds.
Before serving as State Treasurer, Ma held positions as a California Board of Equalization member from 2015 to 2019 and as a California State Assembly member from 2006 to 2012. She has gained a reputation as a solution-oriented public servant and has been effective in building coalitions to address complex issues in the state. During her tenure in the Assembly, Ma authored 60 bills that were signed into law by two different governors.
Her notable accomplishments include legislation to ban toxic chemicals in baby products and efforts to strengthen laws protecting victims of domestic violence, consumers, and working families.
Ma’s involvement in public service began in 1994 when she was elected president of the Asian Business Association. She has since been an advocate for minority business owners and has participated in numerous initiatives at the city and state levels. Her background includes working for Ernst & Whinney in the real estate tax group and starting her own accounting practice in San Francisco. Ma is a licensed CPA in California and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, a Master’s Degree in Taxation, an MBA, and an Honorary Doctorate.
In addition to her political career, Ma is involved in various organizations and initiatives, including serving as a Member of the Vatican’s Council for Inclusive Capitalism and being a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is married to Jason Hodge, a full-time firefighter and Oxnard Harbor Commissioner.
You can find out more about Fiona Ma’s campaign on her official website.
