Latinos back Fiona Ma to be California’s first Asian American lieutenant governor

Fiona Ma is gaining more community traction as she aspires to become California’s first Asian American lieutenant governor in 2026. This past weekend, on January 24, Ma’s Latino supporters gathered in Mariachi Plaza, a historic site in Boyle Heights, where she spoke about her commitment and support for the immigrant community, particularly during times when ICE raids have escalated. 

“There is no place for fear, intimidation or family separation in a state built by immigrants,” Ma said at this weekend’s event. “California’s strength comes from diversity, inclusion and equity and from the belief that every family deserves dignity and opportunity.”

The Fiona Ma for Lieutenant Governor campaign successfully hosted Latinos for Fiona Ma, where more than 200 supporters, including labor leaders, elected officials, community advocates and other California Democratic Party organizations, gathered in support of her campaign. 

Ma is currently serving as the 34th and current California State Treasurer, first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. In this position, she serves as the state's chief banker and investor. 

She is the first woman of color and the first female certified public accountant to hold this position. With California being the world’s fourth-largest economy, Ma holds a substantial role as treasurer and the state’s primary banker. Her office processes approximately $3 trillion in payments within a typical year. 

However, in 2026, Ma has set her mind to step into a new role. If elected lieutenant governor, she will assume various responsibilities. 

For starters, under California’s Constitution, the lieutenant governor serves as acting governor whenever the governor is absent from the state. She would also become governor if a vacancy occurs in the Office of Governor. As the lieutenant governor, she would also become president of the Senate. 

In addition, among other roles, the lieutenant governor serves as a voting member of the Board of Regents of the University of California, the Board of Trustees of the California State University system and the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges system. Under state statutes, she would also chair the California Commission for Economic Development, which provides support and guidance to the governor, legislature and private sector regarding the development of the state's economy. 

Big names in California leadership attend in support of Ma, including California Senators Maria Elena Durazo and Bob Archuleta, as well as Assemblymembers Mark Gonzalez and José Luis Solache, Jr.

Durazo, a longtime labor and community advocate who was also present at Saturday’s event, said the number of people who showed up in Ma’s support is a reflection of her longstanding commitment to local communities. 

“The energy we saw at Latinos for Fiona Ma shows how broad and deep her support is,” Durazo said. “From labor to community groups to elected leaders, this coalition reflects the diversity and strength of California.”

González, whose district includes Boyle Heights, highlighted the importance of hosting the celebration at Mariachi Plaza, a home to many Latino and immigrant-led organizations, businesses and stories. 

“Boyle Heights represents the heart of California’s Latino community and the Latinos for Fiona Ma event reflected the power of that community coming together,” he said. 

Ma is the oldest of three children born to Chinese immigrants. Her father was a mechanical engineer and her mother was a high school art teacher for 20 years.  

“As the daughter of immigrant parents, I know the California dream is built by families who arrived with little more than hope, courage and a strong work ethic,” Ma said. “My commitment is to ensure Latino families have real opportunities to buy a home, send their kids to college, build generational wealth and thrive in the state we all love.”

In 2024, the state of California agreed to pay Ma’s former employee $350,000 to settle claims that Ma sexually harassed her. The 2021 lawsuit filed by a former state tax official, Judith Blackwell, stated that Ma exposed herself and crawled into bed with her when they shared rooms at a hotel and a rental unit.

Ma has denied the allegations.

The lawsuit was dismissed as part of the settlement. 

Earlier this year and amid her campaign, Ma filed for divorce from Jason Hodge, a former firefighter, according to San Francisco Superior Court records.

Saturday’s event featured live mariachi music, cultural performances and local food vendors. 

Other attendees included union members, students, healthcare workers, educators and small-business owners who came together in support of Ma’s campaign. Union members from the Teamsters Laborers’ International Union of North America, UNITE HERE Local 11, the National Union of Healthcare Workers and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, among others, also attended the Latinos for Fiona Ma. 

“Ma has always stood with working people,” Ada Briceño, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, said. 

Her grassroots campaign has raised more than $8.5 million. 

Other candidates running for California lieutenant governor include former State Senator Steven Bradford, California’s Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs.

The primary will be held on June 2, 2026, ahead of the general election in November.