Ma Advances in CA LG Race
Democrat Fiona Ma Advances to General Election for California Lieutenant Governor Amid Criticism
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Democrat Fiona Ma has secured a spot in California's November general election for lieutenant governor, edging out a crowded field in the June 3 primary. AP confirmed her advancement, with Ma pulling in 20.4% of the vote compared to 19.6% for Republican Gloria Romero, who will be her opponent in the fall.
The race was tight until the final count. Three other Democrats — including Josh Fryday at 14.2% and progressive favorite Michael Tubbs at 11% — fell short, according to Sacramento Bee semi-final returns. The November 3 matchup will pit a sitting Democratic state official against a former Democrat-turned-Republican in a direct debate over California's political direction.
Ma Survives Scandal, Spending Attacks to Advance
Ma's path to the general election was not easy. Donor Steve Phillips spent over $5.7 million boosting Michael Tubbs and funding attack ads against Ma, according to CalMatters. The ads focused on a $350,000 settlement the state paid in 2024 to resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former tax official Judith Blackwell.
Ma pushed back hard. "From day one, I said this was a frivolous lawsuit," she said in a campaign statement. "I have been completely vindicated." Her labor and union endorsements helped her survive the attacks and hold off a crowded field of Democratic rivals.
Romero's Party Switch Reshapes the Race
Gloria Romero was once the Democratic Senate Majority Leader in California. She switched to the Republican Party in 2024, citing what she called the Democrats' drift too far left on education and public safety, according to KTLA. Her switch gave Republicans a credible, well-known name to rally behind.
In May 2026, Romero teamed up with Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton in what they called a "California's Golden Ticket" partnership, KTLA reported. Analysts at CalMatters say her name recognition among former Democrats makes her a serious threat in November.
Why the Lieutenant Governor Job Actually Matters
The lieutenant governor is often called a ceremonial role. But the job carries real power. The winner gets a seat on the Board of Regents of the University of California and the Board of Trustees of the California State University, according to Sacramento Bee. The lieutenant governor also casts tie-breaking votes in the State Senate.
The winner also serves as Acting Governor whenever the governor leaves the state. Ma has framed herself as a "CPA for the people" — a fiscal problem solver. Romero has promised to be a loud GOP voice inside Sacramento's executive boards, challenging what she calls "one-party rule."
What November's Matchup Could Mean for California
California's "top-two" primary system sent one Democrat and one Republican to the general election — a rarer outcome that sets up a direct ideological contest. A Ma win would continue the Newsom-era Democratic grip on the office. A Romero win would put a Republican critic inside the state's most powerful institutional boards for the first time in years.
Progressive supporters of Tubbs were disappointed by the result. But Ma's camp sees November as a chance to put the scandal talk behind her. WKYC noted that Ma will face competition from other politicians in what shapes up as one of California's most closely watched statewide races this cycle.
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