2026 California State Controller election

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

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]

2026 California State Controller Election

← 2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

Incumbent Controller Malia Cohen Democratic

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law partner, former Majority Leader of the California Assembly (2004–2006) from the 43rd district (2000–2006), and withdrawn^[5] candidate for this seat in 2006^[6] (likely inactive)^[7][a]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] and Local 665^[12]

Organizations

• Black Women Organized for Political Action PAC^[13]

Party chapters

• Santa Monica Democratic Party^[14]

Herb Morgan (R)

Political parties

• Unity Party of America and California^[15]

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 As reported by Cal Matters, the campaign finance balance is carried over as surplus from his withdrawn 2006 bid.^[7]