2026 California State Controller election

For related races, see 2026 United States state auditor elections.

2026 California State Controller Election

← 2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

Incumbent Controller Malia Cohen Democratic

The 2026 California State Controller election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect the California State Controller. The nonpartisan top-two primary election will take place on June 2, 2026. Incumbent Democratic State Controller Malia Cohen was elected in 2022 with 55.35% to Republican opponent Lanhee Chen's 44.65%.^[1] This margin was the closest of the 2022 statewide elections in California.^[2] After previously mulling a run for state treasurer,^[3] Cohen decided to run for reelection to a second term.^[4]

Candidates

Democratic Party

Declared

• Malia Cohen, incumbent California State Controller (2023–present)^[4]

Filed paperwork

• Dario Frommer, Mayer Brown law partner, former Majority Leader of the California Assembly (2004–2006) from the 43rd district (2000–2006), and withdrawn^[5] candidate for this seat in 2006^[6] (likely inactive)^[7][a]

Republican Party

Declared

• Herb Morgan, CIO of Cantor Fitzgerald^[8]

Peace and Freedom Party

Filed paperwork

• Meghann Adams, union president of SMART Local 1741^[9] and candidate for state treasurer in 2022^[10]

Primary election

Endorsements

Malia Cohen (D)

Labor unions

• International Brotherhood of Teamsters California^[11]
• Teamsters Local 665^[12]

Organizations

• Black Women Organized for Political Action PAC^[13]
• Sierra Club California^[14]

Party chapters

• Santa Monica Democratic Party^[15]

Herb Morgan (R)

Political parties

• Unity Party of America and California^[16]

See also

• 2026 United States state auditor elections

Notes

1. As reported by Cal Matters, the campaign finance balance is carried over as surplus from his withdrawn 2006 bid.^[7]

References

1. Nixon, Nicole (December 6, 2022). "Here's what we know about California 2022 election results". CapRadio. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
2. Mehta, Seema (March 10, 2023). "California Republicans, buoyed by congressional wins, have no obvious Senate prospects". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
3. Jones, Blake; Gardiner, Justin (December 20, 2024). "Why Dems are grumbling about Malia Cohen". Politico. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
4. Mason, Melanie; Jones, Blake; Gardiner, Dustin (September 4, 2025). "SCOOP: Villaraigosa swipes at Porter and Becerra". Politico. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
5. Laity, Tracey (March 17, 2006). "Family before politics, says Frommer as he withdraws". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
6. "Campaign Finance: Frommer, Dario". California Secretary of State. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
7. Koseff, Alexei; Christopher, Ben (December 21, 2022). "Buried treasure: California politicians stash $35 million in leftover campaign cash". Cal Matters. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
8. Billing, Karen (May 19, 2025). "Local resident joins the race for California state controller". Del Mar Times. Retrieved September 18, 2025 – via The San Diego Union-Tribune.
9. "Local 1741 Ratifies Trio of Strong Agreements". International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local 1741. August 22, 2025. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
10. "Campaign Finance: Adams, Meghann L." California Secretary of State. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
11. Teamsters California [@teamsterscalifornia] (September 14, 2025). "We proudly endorse Malia Cohen for California State Controller". Retrieved September 19, 2025 – via Instagram.
12. Sinogui, Flo (September 11, 2025). "Teamsters Local 665 & Teamsters California Endorse State Candidates". Teamsters Local 665. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
13. BWOPA PAC [@bwopa_pac] (August 26, 2025). "We are thrilled to endorse @malia.cohen's re-election as CA State Controller". Retrieved September 18, 2025 – via Instagram.
14. "2025 Endorsements - SCC Political Committee | Sierra Club". Sierra Club California. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
15. Katz, Joshua Keller (September 18, 2025). "2025 Endorsement Results". Santa Monica Democratic Party. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
16. Giusto, Andrew (August 22, 2025). "Unity Party Fields California Candidates Times Two". Unity Party of America. Retrieved September 18, 2025.

External links

Official campaign websites

• Meghann Adams (PF) for State Controller
• Malia Cohen (D) for State Controller
• Herb Morgan (R) for State Controller