Romero and Ma Will Compete for Lieutenant Governor
Gloria Romero and Fiona Ma will face off in California's November 3 general election for lieutenant governor.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Elections
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Gloria Romero and Fiona Ma have advanced to the November 3 general election following the June 2 primary. The candidates are vying for the seat currently held by Eleni Kounalakis.
Why it matters
The lieutenant governor holds significant state influence, serving as president of the State Senate, chair of the State Lands Commission, and holding positions on several university and college boards. Voters will choose between Romero's focus on reducing bureaucracy and Ma's platform centered on housing, business, and education.
The race features 71-year-old Gloria Romero, who switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 2024, and 60-year-old Fiona Ma, who has served as state treasurer since 2019.
The players
Gloria Romero
She is a former state senator who served from 2005 to 2010 and switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 2024.
Fiona Ma
She is the current state treasurer who previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2002 to 2006.
Eleni Kounalakis
She is the current lieutenant governor who signed a bill extending eviction protection on April 1, 2022.
The details
The lieutenant governor acts as governor when the incumbent is absent and holds tie-breaking authority in the State Senate. Fiona Ma brings experience from her time on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, while Gloria Romero served as a state senator for five years.
Timeline
June 2, 2026: Primary election occurred.
Nov. 3, 2026: General election for lieutenant governor.
Political Context
The opposition maintains that the lieutenant governor role has become an overly powerful secondary executive office that requires stricter legislative oversight. Critics of the current administration argue that the office's control over the State Lands Commission creates an imbalance of power.
Californians will see a change in leadership that dictates priorities for housing production and education affordability. Voters should review the candidates' specific stances on business permitting and state bureaucracy, as these positions will directly influence future economic policy.
The takeaway
The upcoming election highlights the contrast between two experienced politicians with vastly different party alignments and governing priorities. Voters are encouraged to research the specific administrative powers of the lieutenant governor to understand how the winner will impact their daily lives.
Further reading
For more background on state contests, visit California Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sacramento Bee.
Live Poll
Who do you plan to vote for in the California lieutenant governor race on November 3?
