Fiona Ma, California lieutenant governor candidate, answers Bay Area News Group’s primary questionnaire

Fiona Ma, the current California state treasurer and Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, responded to a Bay Area News Group questionnaire ahead of the June 2026 primary election. Ma identified higher education affordability, environmental protection, and healthcare access as her top priorities if elected. She proposed building affordable housing near college campuses to reduce student commuting burdens and improving the state’s financial aid system. Additionally, she emphasized protecting coastlines from pollution and ensuring all Californians have access to quality, affordable healthcare regardless of income or location. Ma argued her extensive public service experience uniquely qualifies her for the role, citing her work with universities and community colleges as a San Francisco Board of Supervisors member, State Assembly member, and State Board of Equalization member. She also pointed to her record as California’s state treasurer, where she balanced a statewide budget and authored legislation to safeguard the environment and clean water. Her career includes landmark healthcare legislation passed during her time in the State Assembly. What sets Ma apart from her competitors, she claimed, is her statewide office experience and her ability to build broad coalitions. She holds the endorsement of the California Labor Federation and over 50 labor unions, along with support from 75% of the state legislature and more than 600 local officials across California. Ma also noted that she is the only candidate with experience balancing a statewide budget. In the questionnaire, Ma acknowledged Eleni Kounalakis’ strengths as lieutenant governor, praising her advocacy for housing, education, and environmental protection, as well as her international representation of California. However, Ma suggested Kounalakis could have leveraged her role as president of the California State Senate more effectively to influence legislation, particularly during the challenges posed by the global pandemic. Ma received Kounalakis’ endorsement for the upcoming election.