Malia Cohen seeks re-election as California controller

Malia Cohen, the Democratic incumbent, is running for re-election as California state controller in the Nov. 3 general election. She faces Republican Herb W. Morgan.

Cohen is the first African American elected as California state controller, according to Carnegie Mellon University. She said in her candidate statement filed with the secretary of state that she is running "to ensure taxpayer dollars are managed with transparency, accountability, and fairness."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic
Office sought: California Controller
Education: Bachelor's in political science, Fisk University (2000); master's in public policy and management, Carnegie Mellon University (2008)
Birthplace: San Francisco, California

Experience and public service

Cohen grew up in the Richmond District of San Francisco and graduated from Lowell High School, according to her Wikipedia biography. She previously served in the San Francisco mayor's office and as a legislative aide to Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, according to her Wikipedia biography.

Cohen was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 10 and served as board president from 2018 to 2019, according to the State Controller's Office website. She also served as president of the San Francisco Employees' Retirement System, according to the controller's office website.

Cohen served as chairwoman of the California State Board of Equalization beginning in 2019, according to her BallotReady profile. She has held the controller's office since 2023, her BallotReady profile shows.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Cohen's campaign website and her candidate statement filed with the California Secretary of State. They reflect the candidate's own claims.

Fiscal accountability: Cohen said she has strengthened fiscal transparency by expanding public access to financial and payroll data, released timely monthly cash reports, reunited all 58 counties with millions in unclaimed property and advanced the modernization of California's payroll system.

Economy: Cohen said she will focus on job creation and job training, prioritizing communities of color and low-income communities.

Housing: Cohen said she is working to expand housing availability at all income levels.

Healthcare: Cohen said she is fighting to expand access to healthcare and demand greater accountability around prescription drug prices.

Environment: Cohen said she is committed to action on climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and holding polluters accountable.