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Controller
2026 California Controller — General Election · November 3, 2026
This candidate matches California’s August 27, 2026 certified general-election list by name, office and party. Later official corrections require a subsequent check.
Last reviewed September 14, 2026Ballot certification checked September 14, 2026Policy statements from campaign-controlled sources are labeled candidate positions; they are not independently presented as proven outcomes.
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Malia M. Cohen* Democratic
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495 Jackson St #437 · Oakland, CA 94607
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495 Jackson St #437
Oakland, CA 94607
WEBSITE: www.maliacohenforca.com
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State Controller/Mother
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State Controller/Mother
Malia was born and raised in San Francisco and attended public schools in the City. She earned a BA from Fisk University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Malia was born and raised in San Francisco and attended public schools in the City. She earned a BA from Fisk University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
Malia was born and raised in San Francisco and attended public schools in the City. She earned a BA from Fisk University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Malia was born and raised in San Francisco and attended public schools in the City. She earned a BA from Fisk University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
Prior to serving as California Controller, Malia served on the California State Board of Equalization as the first African American woman to serve on the board. She represented 10 million people living in 23 counties throughout the state. Malia also served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. And as Chair of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System (SFERS), Malia led the effort to divest from fossil fuels and thermal coal investments and moved $100 million into a fossil fuel-free index fund.
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Prior to serving as California Controller, Malia served on the California State Board of Equalization as the first African American woman to serve on the board. She represented 10 million people living in 23 counties throughout the state. Malia also served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. And as Chair of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System (SFERS), Malia led the effort to divest from fossil fuels and thermal coal investments and moved $100 million into a fossil fuel-free index fund.
As a working mom serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the world’s fifth-largest economy, Malia has made it a priority to manage the state’s financial resources with a focus on economic equality, financial accountability, and a fair tax structure for all Californians. As Controller, she sits on over 70 boards and commissions with authority ranging from affordable housing to crime victim compensation to land management.
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As a working mom serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the world’s fifth-largest economy, Malia has made it a priority to manage the state’s financial resources with a focus on economic equality, financial accountability, and a fair tax structure for all Californians. As Controller, she sits on over 70 boards and commissions with authority ranging from affordable housing to crime victim compensation to land management.
Malia knows the power and importance of a retirement pension. Her mother and father were both members of a union and were able to raise her and her four siblings thanks to the support of their union. She will be a fearless advocate for protecting retirement security and will fight to help all older adults age with dignity.
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Malia knows the power and importance of a retirement pension. Her mother and father were both members of a union and were able to raise her and her four siblings thanks to the support of their union. She will be a fearless advocate for protecting retirement security and will fight to help all older adults age with dignity.
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Prior to becoming Controller, in her role leading on Proposition O in San Francisco, Malia helped create more than 12,000 new homes, 32 percent of which were affordable housing. She’ll continue to prioritize and incentivize the development of more affordable housing and work to provide assistance to first-time homebuyers.
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Prior to becoming Controller, in her role leading on Proposition O in San Francisco, Malia helped create more than 12,000 new homes, 32 percent of which were affordable housing. She’ll continue to prioritize and incentivize the development of more affordable housing and work to provide assistance to first-time homebuyers.
As Controller, she’s creating incentives that will increase affordable housing units. She recently approved $804 million in bond authority for affordable student housing, allowing maximize resources and keep building more affordable housing for students across the state. She also serves on the First-Time Homebuyers Financing Committee and the Veterans’ Home Finance Committee.
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As Controller, she’s creating incentives that will increase affordable housing units. She recently approved $804 million in bond authority for affordable student housing, allowing maximize resources and keep building more affordable housing for students across the state. She also serves on the First-Time Homebuyers Financing Committee and the Veterans’ Home Finance Committee.
Prior to becoming Controller, in her role leading on Proposition O in San Francisco, Malia helped create more than 12,000 new homes, 32 percent of which were affordable housing. She’ll continue to prioritize and incentivize the development of more affordable housing and work to provide assistance to first-time homebuyers.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Prior to becoming Controller, in her role leading on Proposition O in San Francisco, Malia helped create more than 12,000 new homes, 32 percent of which were affordable housing. She’ll continue to prioritize and incentivize the development of more affordable housing and work to provide assistance to first-time homebuyers.
As Controller, Malia is focused on delivering promised retirement and health benefits while keeping pension systems on sound fiscal footing. She is a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), managing a combined portfolio of $800 billion and responsible for retirement income security for 2.7 million Californians.
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As Controller, Malia is focused on delivering promised retirement and health benefits while keeping pension systems on sound fiscal footing. She is a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), managing a combined portfolio of $800 billion and responsible for retirement income security for 2.7 million Californians.
Malia knows that our state cannot rebuild if our working people and working families are not supported. She’ll continue to focus on job creation and job training, prioritizing communities of color and low-income communities that have endured long-term disinvestment.
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Malia knows that our state cannot rebuild if our working people and working families are not supported. She’ll continue to focus on job creation and job training, prioritizing communities of color and low-income communities that have endured long-term disinvestment.
As Controller to the fourth-largest economy in the world, Malia takes seriously the stewardship of state resources and will always use her position to support Californians. When fires spread through LA County, Malia and the Controller’s office responded with disaster relief, including property tax relief for property owners impacted.
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As Controller to the fourth-largest economy in the world, Malia takes seriously the stewardship of state resources and will always use her position to support Californians. When fires spread through LA County, Malia and the Controller’s office responded with disaster relief, including property tax relief for property owners impacted.
On the Board of Supervisors, Malia led a measure that created more than 17,000 jobs in the Bay Area and she co-sponsored legislation establishing a citywide project labor agreement and a prevailing wage on public projects. She also championed the highest minimum wage in the country, guaranteeing San Francisco residents $15 an hour and paving the way for a minimum wage increase across the state.
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On the Board of Supervisors, Malia led a measure that created more than 17,000 jobs in the Bay Area and she co-sponsored legislation establishing a citywide project labor agreement and a prevailing wage on public projects. She also championed the highest minimum wage in the country, guaranteeing San Francisco residents $15 an hour and paving the way for a minimum wage increase across the state.
On the Board of Supervisors, Malia led a measure that created more than 17,000 jobs in the Bay Area and she co-sponsored legislation establishing a citywide project labor agreement and a prevailing wage on public projects. She also championed the highest minimum wage in the country, guaranteeing San Francisco residents $15 an hour and paving the way for a minimum wage increase across the state.
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On the Board of Supervisors, Malia led a measure that created more than 17,000 jobs in the Bay Area and she co-sponsored legislation establishing a citywide project labor agreement and a prevailing wage on public projects. She also championed the highest minimum wage in the country, guaranteeing San Francisco residents $15 an hour and paving the way for a minimum wage increase across the state.
As a working mother, Malia knows the importance of paid leave and affordable child care. She co-sponsored the Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance, which allows parents or guardians the right to request flexible work schedules to care for their dependents.
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As a working mother, Malia knows the importance of paid leave and affordable child care. She co-sponsored the Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance, which allows parents or guardians the right to request flexible work schedules to care for their dependents.
Despite Republican-led attacks on health care, Malia will continue to fight to expand access and lower costs for all Californians. As Controller, she oversees the second largest public employer health benefit in the nation and manages grants to research institutes tackling the health problems of our time. Malia is also focused on addressing the growing costs and infrastructure capacity for long-term care facilities for individuals and the state.
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Despite Republican-led attacks on health care, Malia will continue to fight to expand access and lower costs for all Californians. As Controller, she oversees the second largest public employer health benefit in the nation and manages grants to research institutes tackling the health problems of our time. Malia is also focused on addressing the growing costs and infrastructure capacity for long-term care facilities for individuals and the state.
Despite Republican-led attacks on health care, Malia will continue to fight to expand access and lower costs for all Californians. As Controller, she oversees the second largest public employer health benefit in the nation and manages grants to research institutes tackling the health problems of our time. Malia is also focused on addressing the growing costs and infrastructure capacity for long-term care facilities for individuals and the state.
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Despite Republican-led attacks on health care, Malia will continue to fight to expand access and lower costs for all Californians. As Controller, she oversees the second largest public employer health benefit in the nation and manages grants to research institutes tackling the health problems of our time. Malia is also focused on addressing the growing costs and infrastructure capacity for long-term care facilities for individuals and the state.
Malia is fighting to expand access to more people and demand greater accountability around prescription drug prices, so that no one has to choose between their medicine and basic necessities.
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Malia is fighting to expand access to more people and demand greater accountability around prescription drug prices, so that no one has to choose between their medicine and basic necessities.
Reproductive health care is under attack. Malia will fight to protect it. She wrote the Pregnancy Information Disclosure and Protection Ordinance, which prohibits crisis pregnancy centers in the City from making false or misleading statements about their services. After its passage, this measure was challenged in the U.S. District Court and upheld in its entirety. She’ll continue to be a champion for reproductive access for all.
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Reproductive health care is under attack. Malia will fight to protect it. She wrote the Pregnancy Information Disclosure and Protection Ordinance, which prohibits crisis pregnancy centers in the City from making false or misleading statements about their services. After its passage, this measure was challenged in the U.S. District Court and upheld in its entirety. She’ll continue to be a champion for reproductive access for all.
Reproductive health care is under attack. Malia will fight to protect it. She wrote the Pregnancy Information Disclosure and Protection Ordinance, which prohibits crisis pregnancy centers in the City from making false or misleading statements about their services. After its passage, this measure was challenged in the U.S. District Court and upheld in its entirety. She’ll continue to be a champion for reproductive access for all.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Reproductive health care is under attack. Malia will fight to protect it. She wrote the Pregnancy Information Disclosure and Protection Ordinance, which prohibits crisis pregnancy centers in the City from making false or misleading statements about their services. After its passage, this measure was challenged in the U.S. District Court and upheld in its entirety. She’ll continue to be a champion for reproductive access for all.
Malia is committed to bridging gaps in access and policy to ensure all people, from all backgrounds, are supported. She’ll fight to bring greater diversity to the decision making table so that our policy truly reflects the people who make up our state. In addition to ensuring that all people feel supported and protected in our state, she’ll also demand accountability for any acts of violence, hate, or discrimination to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated. Malia knows California’s strength is its diversity and she’ll make sure it’s reflected at all levels of government, despite attacks on personal freedom and identity from the Trump Administration.
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Malia is committed to bridging gaps in access and policy to ensure all people, from all backgrounds, are supported. She’ll fight to bring greater diversity to the decision making table so that our policy truly reflects the people who make up our state. In addition to ensuring that all people feel supported and protected in our state, she’ll also demand accountability for any acts of violence, hate, or discrimination to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated. Malia knows California’s strength is its diversity and she’ll make sure it’s reflected at all levels of government, despite attacks on personal freedom and identity from the Trump Administration.
Malia is committed to bridging gaps in access and policy to ensure all people, from all backgrounds, are supported. She’ll fight to bring greater diversity to the decision making table so that our policy truly reflects the people who make up our state. In addition to ensuring that all people feel supported and protected in our state, she’ll also demand accountability for any acts of violence, hate, or discrimination to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated. Malia knows California’s strength is its diversity and she’ll make sure it’s reflected at all levels of government, despite attacks on personal freedom and identity from the Trump Administration.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Malia is committed to bridging gaps in access and policy to ensure all people, from all backgrounds, are supported. She’ll fight to bring greater diversity to the decision making table so that our policy truly reflects the people who make up our state. In addition to ensuring that all people feel supported and protected in our state, she’ll also demand accountability for any acts of violence, hate, or discrimination to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated. Malia knows California’s strength is its diversity and she’ll make sure it’s reflected at all levels of government, despite attacks on personal freedom and identity from the Trump Administration.
Building a better future for all in California requires continued action on climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Malia is committed to this effort and to holding polluters accountable. She’s seen that far too often it is low-income communities of color that face the immediate consequences of pollution in the form of health problems and job loss. She’ll fight to provide additional support to these communities while ensuring we continue to move toward carbon neutrality.
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Building a better future for all in California requires continued action on climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Malia is committed to this effort and to holding polluters accountable. She’s seen that far too often it is low-income communities of color that face the immediate consequences of pollution in the form of health problems and job loss. She’ll fight to provide additional support to these communities while ensuring we continue to move toward carbon neutrality.
Building a better future for all in California requires continued action on climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Malia is committed to this effort and to holding polluters accountable. She’s seen that far too often it is low-income communities of color that face the immediate consequences of pollution in the form of health problems and job loss. She’ll fight to provide additional support to these communities while ensuring we continue to move toward carbon neutrality.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Building a better future for all in California requires continued action on climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Malia is committed to this effort and to holding polluters accountable. She’s seen that far too often it is low-income communities of color that face the immediate consequences of pollution in the form of health problems and job loss. She’ll fight to provide additional support to these communities while ensuring we continue to move toward carbon neutrality.
Building a better future for all in California requires continued action on climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Malia is committed to this effort and to holding polluters accountable. She’s seen that far too often it is low-income communities of color that face the immediate consequences of pollution in the form of health problems and job loss. She’ll fight to provide additional support to these communities while ensuring we continue to move toward carbon neutrality.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Building a better future for all in California requires continued action on climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Malia is committed to this effort and to holding polluters accountable. She’s seen that far too often it is low-income communities of color that face the immediate consequences of pollution in the form of health problems and job loss. She’ll fight to provide additional support to these communities while ensuring we continue to move toward carbon neutrality.
In her first term, Malia prioritized fairness and equity by putting her weight behind California's Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Pay Equity Task Force and helping Californians understand their rights and holding corporations accountable. She made sure grant programs and state-funded trainings went toward good-paying, long-term jobs that stayed and benefited Californians, ensured the affordable housing programs delivered real results, raised the standard for affordable and quality health care, and aligned California’s finances with our climate change action agenda.
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In her first term, Malia prioritized fairness and equity by putting her weight behind California's Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Pay Equity Task Force and helping Californians understand their rights and holding corporations accountable. She made sure grant programs and state-funded trainings went toward good-paying, long-term jobs that stayed and benefited Californians, ensured the affordable housing programs delivered real results, raised the standard for affordable and quality health care, and aligned California’s finances with our climate change action agenda.
Prior to serving as California Controller, Malia served on the California State Board of Equalization as the first African American woman to serve on the board. She represented 10 million people living in 23 counties throughout the state. Malia also served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. And as Chair of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System (SFERS), Malia led the effort to divest from fossil fuels and thermal coal investments and moved $100 million into a fossil fuel-free index fund.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Prior to serving as California Controller, Malia served on the California State Board of Equalization as the first African American woman to serve on the board. She represented 10 million people living in 23 counties throughout the state. Malia also served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. And as Chair of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System (SFERS), Malia led the effort to divest from fossil fuels and thermal coal investments and moved $100 million into a fossil fuel-free index fund.
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. A lifelong Californian, Malia understands firsthand the promise of our state and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom 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, firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com
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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. A lifelong Californian, Malia understands firsthand the promise of our state and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom 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, firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com
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. A lifelong Californian, Malia understands firsthand the promise of our state and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom 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, firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
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. A lifelong Californian, Malia understands firsthand the promise of our state and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom 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, firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com
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. A lifelong Californian, Malia understands firsthand the promise of our state and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom 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, firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
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. A lifelong Californian, Malia understands firsthand the promise of our state and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom 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, firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com
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. A lifelong Californian, Malia understands firsthand the promise of our state and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom 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, firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
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. A lifelong Californian, Malia understands firsthand the promise of our state and the urgency of protecting it for future generations. A working mom 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, firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, healthcare workers, operating engineers, plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, and working folks across California in supporting Malia Cohen for Controller. Learn more at: MaliaCohenForCA.com
She played a key role in advancing AB 2353, a law that removes costly delays in the welfare tax exemption process. In practical terms, this means developers can move projects forward without being bogged down by upfront tax burdens during construction — helping get more housing built, faster.
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She played a key role in advancing AB 2353, a law that removes costly delays in the welfare tax exemption process. In practical terms, this means developers can move projects forward without being bogged down by upfront tax burdens during construction — helping get more housing built, faster.
She also supported the use of property tax abatements to encourage affordable housing development, helping communities grow while keeping housing within reach.
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She also supported the use of property tax abatements to encourage affordable housing development, helping communities grow while keeping housing within reach.
Appointed by the Court to chair a multi-agency task force focused on preventing fraud in charter schools.
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Appointed by the Court to chair a multi-agency task force focused on preventing fraud in charter schools.
For years, California relied on outdated and duplicative financial systems, leading to delays, errors, and inefficiencies. Controller Cohen made a decisive move to fix it. She advanced the long-stalled effort to move California’s financial “book of record” into Fi$Cal, a modern, unified system. Eliminates duplicate reporting systems and reduces costly inefficiencies. Improves accuracy, transparency, and real-time financial tracking across state government. Set a clear deadline to complete the transition by July 1, 2026. Bottom line: Bringing California’s financial operations into the modern era — saving time, reducing errors, and increasing transparency.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
For years, California relied on outdated and duplicative financial systems, leading to delays, errors, and inefficiencies. Controller Cohen made a decisive move to fix it. She advanced the long-stalled effort to move California’s financial “book of record” into Fi$Cal, a modern, unified system. Eliminates duplicate reporting systems and reduces costly inefficiencies. Improves accuracy, transparency, and real-time financial tracking across state government. Set a clear deadline to complete the transition by July 1, 2026. Bottom line: Bringing California’s financial operations into the modern era — saving time, reducing errors, and increasing transparency.
Launched a statewide effort — “TEAM California” — to fix delays and restore accountability.
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Launched a statewide effort — “TEAM California” — to fix delays and restore accountability.
Became the first Constitutional Officer to fully commit to the state’s 25% small business contracting goal.
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Became the first Constitutional Officer to fully commit to the state’s 25% small business contracting goal.
Launched a Strategic Plan (2024–2025) to modernize operations and culture.
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Launched a Strategic Plan (2024–2025) to modernize operations and culture.
Advocating for key executive roles, including:Chief Financial OfficerChief AuditorChief Strategy/Data Officer
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Advocating for key executive roles, including:Chief Financial OfficerChief AuditorChief Strategy/Data Officer
Championed the restoration of Ormond Beach — bringing together environmental advocates like the Sierra Club — protecting this site for generations to come.
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Championed the restoration of Ormond Beach — bringing together environmental advocates like the Sierra Club — protecting this site for generations to come.
Supported financial assistance for vulnerable youth through CalHOPE — including $3,000 for children in foster care or those who lost a parent to COVID-19.
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Supported financial assistance for vulnerable youth through CalHOPE — including $3,000 for children in foster care or those who lost a parent to COVID-19.
Expanded access and inclusion through CalABLE by:Promoting inclusive investment policiesOffering multilingual outreachDriving one of the fastest-growing programs in the nation
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Expanded access and inclusion through CalABLE by:Promoting inclusive investment policiesOffering multilingual outreachDriving one of the fastest-growing programs in the nation
Helped deliver $300 million to struggling hospitals and major funding for children’s hospitals through the California Health Facilities Financing Authority.
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Helped deliver $300 million to struggling hospitals and major funding for children’s hospitals through the California Health Facilities Financing Authority.
Stops payments that are unsupported, unallowable, or unlawful — before taxpayer money goes out the door.
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Stops payments that are unsupported, unallowable, or unlawful — before taxpayer money goes out the door.
Complete available explicitly attributed executive record with selected highlights
The searchable archive contains 109 exact attributed records from the configured official executive archive (0 yes, 0 no, 0 present, 0 not voting, and 109 directly attributed executive actions or statements). The examples below are representative highlights, not a scorecard.
Coverage: January 3, 2023 through July 29, 20260 legislative positions · 109 explicitly attributed executive actions or statements
See all 109 recordsPublished by the official office
Malia M. Cohen is recorded as taking the explicitly attributed action shown in the official record for controller malia m. cohen publishes 2025 payroll data for state government, superior courts, and csu institutions.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Controller Malia M. Cohen Publishes 2025 Payroll Data for State Government, Superior Courts, and CSU Institutions
SACRAMENTO — State Controller Malia M. Cohen announces the publication of 2025 payroll data for state departments, superior courts, and California State University (CSU) institutions on the Government Compensation in California (GCC) website. The data includes compensation details for more than 400,700 positions and reflects approximately $31.7 billion in total wages, $13.7 billion in retirement and health contributions, and over $45.4 billion in total compensation.
"Responsible financial stewardship begins with transparency," said Controller Malia M. Cohen. "This report provides Californians with a clear view of state payroll spending, supporting informed oversight and demonstrating our commitment to accountability in government."
Published by the official office
Malia M. Cohen is recorded as taking the explicitly attributed action shown in the official record for controller malia m. cohen thanks governor newsom for signing ab 126 (committee on budget) to strengthen financial oversight of california schools.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Controller Malia M. Cohen Thanks Governor Newsom for Signing AB 126 (Committee on Budget) to Strengthen Financial Oversight of California Schools
SACRAMENTO — Today, State Controller Malia M. Cohen thanked Governor Gavin Newsom for signing AB 126, legislation that strengthens financial oversight of California's local educational agencies by implementing most of the recommendations developed by the San Diego court-ordered Charter School Audits Task Force chaired by Controller Cohen.
"Every dollar intended for California's students should reach the classroom and not lost to fraud, waste, or abuse. Public trust depends on strong financial oversight, and this legislation gives California better tools to strengthen accountability, improve transparency, and detect fraud before it diverts resources from the students who need them most,” said Controller Cohen.
Published by the official office
Malia M. Cohen is recorded as announcing the official result shown in the official record for controller malia m. cohen releases updated costs needed to fully fund state retiree health and dental benefits.
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Controller Malia M. Cohen Releases Updated Costs Needed to Fully Fund State Retiree Health and Dental Benefits
SACRAMENTO — State Controller Malia M. Cohen today released an updated report showing the state’s net liability to fully fund retiree health and dental benefits – also known as other post-employment benefits (OPEB) – has decreased to an estimated $77.8 billion. Given the current two-year temporary halt of state and employee prefunding contributions toward these benefits, Controller Cohen issued a reminder that a return to prefunding will ensure that the state responsibly plans for these retirement promises while protecting future generations from the budgetary impacts.
“While the year-over decrease in long-term costs for retiree health and dental benefits is welcome news, the responsible course of action for the state is to ensure that we are planning for these future costs by growing prefunding contributions with investment income,” said Controller Cohen. “Returning to prefunding will better position the state as a fiscal steward with an eye toward protecting future budgets and taxpayer dollars.”
Published by the official office
Malia M. Cohen is recorded as making the directly attributed statement shown in the official record for controller malia m. cohen statement on enactment of the 2026–27 california state budget.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Controller Malia M. Cohen Statement on Enactment of the 2026–27 California State Budget
SACRAMENTO — California State Controller Malia M. Cohen issued the following statement following enactment of the Fiscal Year 2026–27 State Budget:
Published by the official office
Malia M. Cohen is recorded as issuing the directive shown in the official record for california state controller malia m. cohen appoints her council of economic advisors.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
California State Controller Malia M. Cohen Appoints Her Council of Economic Advisors
SACRAMENTO — Building on her release of California’s timely audited financial statements ahead of major budget decisions, California State Controller Malia M. Cohen today announced the formation of her Council of Economic Advisors to provide evidence-based insights, and practical and actionable policy recommendations on crosscutting issues that affect the state’s fiscal condition.
“While we continue to reimagine financial transparency in order to give Californians a clearer understanding of the state’s financial condition, we need to call upon expert talent that has its fingers on the pulse of what is driving global, national, statewide and regional markets, and how it affects our state’s competitiveness as the world’s fourth largest economy,” said Controller Cohen. “The members of this Council of Economic Advisors have graciously agreed to share their objective and independent economic analysis and recommendations on issues that significantly affect Californians, our diverse regions, and our state’s revenues today and in the future. I wholeheartedly thank them for agreeing to serve in this important role.”
Published by the official office
Malia M. Cohen is recorded as issuing the directive shown in the official record for with looming budget deadline, controller malia m. cohen issues may cash update with continued call for fiscal discipline.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
With Looming Budget Deadline, Controller Malia M. Cohen Issues May Cash Update with Continued Call for Fiscal Discipline
SACRAMENTO — State Controller Malia M. Cohen today released California’s monthly cash report which includes actual General Fund revenue receipts and expenditure data for the fiscal year through May 31. With the California Legislature working to pass a balanced budget by the June 15 deadline, Controller Cohen reinforced her call for fiscal discipline to guard against future revenue volatility. According to the Controller’s Monthly Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements, receipts for the fiscal year through May exceeded the 2026-27 May Revision estimate by $643.7 million, or 0.3 percent. Spending was lower than May Revision estimates by $5.4 billion, or 2.4 percent. “With the end of the fiscal year approaching and lawmakers hard at work to pass a balanced budget by June 15, state revenues have long been supported by all-time market highs and taxes paid by the highest income earners,” said Controller Cohen. “While current revenues remain strong, California’s fiscal outlook is still subject to economic uncertainty and revenue volatility. As fiscal stewards, we must continue planning for the long term by paying down accumulated liabilities, strengthening our reserves, and maintaining the flexibility needed to respond to future challenges.”
“With the end of the fiscal year approaching and lawmakers hard at work to pass a balanced budget by June 15, state revenues have long been supported by all-time market highs and taxes paid by the highest income earners,” said Controller Cohen. “While current revenues remain strong, California’s fiscal outlook is still subject to economic uncertainty and revenue volatility. As fiscal stewards, we must continue planning for the long term by paying down accumulated liabilities, strengthening our reserves, and maintaining the flexibility needed to respond to future challenges.”
Published by the official office
Malia M. Cohen is recorded as announcing the official result shown in the official record for controller cohen announces mailing of notices to californians who may be owed unclaimed property.
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Controller Cohen Announces Mailing of Notices to Californians Who May Be Owed Unclaimed Property
SACRAMENTO — California State Controller Malia M. Cohen today announced that the State Controller’s Office (SCO) is mailing letters to approximately 130,000 Californians who may be owed money through the State’s Unclaimed Property Program, as part of an ongoing effort to proactively reunite residents with lost or forgotten funds.
“Government works best when it delivers results for people, and returning unclaimed property is one of the most direct ways we can do that,” said Controller Cohen. “These funds belong to Californians, not the state. By using technology and available data, we are making it easier, faster, and more convenient for people to recover money that is rightfully theirs. If you receive one of these letters, we want you to know it is legitimate, understand why you received it, and have a simple and secure path to claim your funds.”
Published by the official office
Malia M. Cohen is recorded as providing the guidance shown in the official record for controller malia m. cohen joins 7 other state fiscal officers to warn against politicizing credit ratings, urging agencies to resist external pressure.
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Controller Malia M. Cohen Joins 7 Other State Fiscal Officers to Warn Against Politicizing Credit Ratings, Urging Agencies to Resist External Pressure
SACRAMENTO — As first reported by ESG Dive yesterday, State Controller Malia M. Cohen joined 7 other state and local fiscal officers in expressing alarm over mounting political and ideological pressure on credit rating agencies to abandon independent risk analysis, warning that such interference threatens to drive up borrowing costs for states and undermine the fiscal tools governments depend on to manage budgets and fund essential services.
According to Controller Cohen, "Credit ratings are not political endorsements, they are financial risk assessments. When outside interests attempt to dictate what risks can or cannot be considered, they threaten the integrity of the rating process and the confidence investors place in our markets. States and local governments depend on fair, independent credit analysis to finance schools, infrastructure, public safety, and other essential services. Politicizing that process would make borrowing more expensive and leave taxpayers footing the bill."
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California Secretary of State CAL-ACCESS committee totals for May 17, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
These are the latest Form 460 totals for the one exact current-race committee linked to this candidate. Late-contribution reports may post before they are incorporated into the next Form 460.
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CAL-ACCESS candidate: COHEN, MALIA M. (ID 1393661)
Candidate: Malia Cohen
Committee: Malia Cohen for Controller 2026 (ID 1456350)
Office code: CON
Reporting period: 2026-05-17 through 2026-06-30
Total contributions 1/1/2026 through 2026-06-30: $626242.23
Total expenditures 1/1/2026 through 2026-06-30: $268023.50
Ending cash: $1577663.61
Outstanding debts: $6676.91
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