Ma projected to advance in lieutenant governor’s race, opponent still unknown
California Treasurer Fiona Ma is projected to advance to the November general election in the race to become the state’s next lieutenant governor, according to the Associated Press.
Ma garnered 19.4% of the vote just before 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Earlier in the day she had emailed supporters and was already looking toward the general election.
“Together, we will create good-paying jobs, support small businesses, build more housing, expand educational opportunity, protect our environment, and make California more affordable for everyone,” she said.
The job is largely ceremonial unless the governor leaves the state or dies in office. Lieutenant governors also oversee the state Senate and can break ties.
The lieutenant governor also serves on boards overseeing the state’s public colleges, universities, and community colleges as well as the State Lands Commission and California Commission for Economic Development.
Eleni Kounalakis, the current lieutenant governor, was the first woman elected to the role. She is currently running for state treasurer.
Ma’s opponent for November is not yet settled.
Republican Gloria Romero, a former state senator, had earned just under 19% of the vote Friday afternoon. Democrat Josh Fryday, who leads the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement, was in third with a little over 14% of the vote.
