Controller Candidate Statements

  • As the state's chief fiscal officer, serves as the state's accountant and bookkeeper of all public funds.
  • Administers the state payroll system and unclaimed property laws and conducts audits and reviews of state operations.
  • Serves on the Board of Equalization, the Board of Control, and other boards and commissions.
Meghann Adams

Meghann Adams | PEACE AND FREEDOM

In California's $4 trillion economy, why do millions of us live paycheck to paycheck? As president of the San Francisco school bus drivers union, SMART 1741, I have years of experience in the fiscal management of the union and a track record of fighting for my members in the face of billionaire attacks on our school systems. As your Controller, I will fight to solve the affordability crisis, close corporate tax loopholes, and introduce a California Reinvestment Plan to divest public pensions from war and reinvest in housing and green energy. It's time to put our immense wealth to work for the working people who create it. Vote Socialist—Together we can build a California for the people, not the billionaires! LeftUnitySlate.org Meghann4CA.com

Tel: (510) 543-1789
E-mail: info@meghann4ca.com
Instagram: @meghann4ca |
https://www.meghann4ca.com/

Malia M. Cohen

Malia M. Cohen | DEMOCRATIC

As California State Controller, Malia Cohen serves as the state's chief fiscal officer, safeguarding the finances of the world's fourth-largest economy. She is running for re-election to ensure taxpayer dollars are managed with transparency, accountability, and fairness. Born and raised in San Francisco, Malia understands firsthand the promise of California and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom, lifelong Democrat and dedicated public servant, she believes budgets are moral documents that should reflect our shared values and invest in people, not special interests. As Controller, Malia has strengthened fiscal transparency by expanding public access to financial and payroll data, giving Californians a clear view of how public dollars are spent. She has released timely monthly cash reports to help keep California fiscally strong during economic uncertainty, reunited all 58 counties with millions in unclaimed property, and honored local governments for excellence in accurate financial reporting. She has also advanced the long-overdue modernization of California's payroll system to better serve public workers statewide. At a time when trust in government matters more than ever, Malia Cohen is committed to protecting California's financial future and making the California Dream real for every community. Join teachers, nurses, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malia.cohen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaliaCohen

Herb W Morgan

Herb W Morgan | REPUBLICAN

California is ready for a new era of financial transparency and modern oversight. As State Controller, I will implement radical transparency across the state and its subsidiaries—publishing transaction-level spending online with near real-time reporting so every Californian can clearly see how public funds are used. When the facts are visible to everyone, debates about spending settle and confidence in government grows. My focus is modernization and accountability. Using advanced technology, we can streamline operations, drive meaningful reform, and ensure resources reach the classrooms, communities, and programs that matter most. With nearly four decades of experience overseeing investments and complex financial systems, I will bring disciplined stewardship and practical leadership to Sacramento—strengthening California's culture of compassion by making every public dollar work smarter, faster, and more effectively for the people it serves.

E-mail: info@herbmorgan.com
X: @herb4controller
Instagram: @herb4controller

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The views and opinions expressed by the candidates are their own and do not represent the views and opinions of the Secretary of State's office. The order of the statements was determined by randomized drawing. Statements on this page were supplied by the candidates and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Each statement was voluntarily submitted and paid for by the candidate. Candidates who did not submit statements could otherwise be qualified to appear on the ballot.