2026 California State Controller election


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 Democrat Malia Cohen was elected in 2022 California [State Controller election|2022] with 55.35% to Republican opponent Lanhee Chen's 44.65%. This margin was the closest of the 2022 statewide elections in California. After previously mulling a run for 2026 [California State Treasurer election|state treasurer], Cohen decided to run for reelection to a second term.

Candidates

Democratic Party

Declared

Filed paperwork

Republican Party

Declared

Peace and Freedom Party

Declared