California lieutenant governor contest pits Democrat Fiona Ma against Republican Gloria Romero
Voters will choose between Democrat Fiona Ma and recent Republican convert Gloria Romero for California’s next lieutenant governor on Nov. 3.
California’s lieutenant governor race, a largely ceremonial post that could assume the governorship if the governor leaves office, will be decided on Nov. 3. Democrat Fiona Ma, the term-limited state treasurer, topped the June primary with 19.1% of ballots, while former Senate majority leader Gloria Romero, now a Republican, garnered 17.8%. Ma’s résumé includes service on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the State Assembly and the State Board of Equalization, and she is supported by the California Democratic Party.
Romero, who switched parties in 2024, runs with the endorsement of the California Republican Party and a joint “golden ticket” campaign alongside GOP gubernatorial hopeful Steve Hilton. Both candidates oppose the billionaire tax measure Proposition 40, though Ma criticizes its design and Romero calls it an asset seizure, and they split on Proposition 39, with Ma rejecting voter-ID requirements and Romero supporting them. Their campaigns also highlight differing visions for education policy and how they would work with a likely Democratic governor and legislature.
Why it matters
The election will determine who could step into the governor’s role and influence education and tax policy in a pivotal swing state.
How this story developed
- Sep 15 Poll shows Californians favor billionaire tax but counter-measures gain traction
- Sep 19 Governor Gavin Newsom approved a series of bills that criminalize ballot and machine seizures, limit police near polls and expand early drop-off sites to safeguard California’s November election.
- Sep 25 Wealthy donors have now spent over $100 million on campaigns opposing the tax.
- Sep 27 The new package adds rules on early drop‑off sites and police proximity to polling places.
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