Joined by her father and local supporters at the San Francisco Department of Elections, Ma promises a California that works for all and pledges to tackle Asian-American hate

SAN FRANCISCO—California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, the first Chinese American woman to serve as Treasurer and President Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly, filed today to run for re-election in the June Primary and November General elections.

“I am honored to serve as the 34th Treasurer of California and I am running for re-election as State Treasurer to work for Californians by investing in the healthcare, housing, and schools we need,” said Treasurer Ma. “In addition to the financial role of my office, this election is also personal. Anti-Asian hate and anti-Chinese sentiment are on the rise. As the only Chinese American statewide officeholder on the ballot, I want Californians to hear me clearly: in this Year of the Tiger, California is a state that will work for all, especially our Chinese American and AAPI communities.”

In November 2018, Fiona Ma was elected California State Treasurer with more votes than any candidate for treasurer in the state's history (7,825,587, or 64.1% of the total votes). Fiona is the first woman of color and the first female Certified Public Accountant elected to the position.With the retirement of Controller Betty Yee, Treasurer Ma is the only Chinese American statewide elected official on the 2022 ballot seeking re-election.

Treasurer Ma was joined by her father, Dr. William Ma, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, a successful consultant to the construction industry.  He has been very supportive of his daughter’s campaigns for public offices over the past 20 years.  

“I am so proud that Fiona is putting her skills as a Certified Public Accountant to work as State Treasurer of California to help lead the world’s fifth largest economy. When Fiona first ran for office, I was very concerned because politics is a tough business,” said Dr. Ma, “Today, she is showing generations of children from all backgrounds that they can make their voices heard for justice and prosperity.” 

California’s history of racism toward Chinese Americans has been pervasive and consistent.  The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 formed a basis for acts of violence in Chinese American communities in California and across America. That Act was not repealed until 1943, some 61 years later. Recently, the emergence of COVID-19 provided another opportunity for scapegoating Chinese Americans and led to physical violence against elders and students of Chinese descent.

The filing deadline is March 11th.   Fiona Ma has earned endorsements from the California Democratic Party, California Teachers Association, California Professional Firefighters, California Small Business Association, Asian Americans for Good Government PAC, Equality California, Women’s Political Committee of Los Angeles, and many other organizations, along with federal, state and local elected officials.

This election marks the fourth public office Fiona Ma has won without losing an election.  She was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (2002-2006), California State Assembly (2006-2012), California State Board of Equalization (2014-2018) and State Treasurer (2018).

To date, Treasurer Fiona Ma has raised approximately $2.8 million for re-election.