According to a report by the US-based World Journal, as 2015 begins, Chinese-American political participation in the California state government has written a new chapter in history. Newly elected State Treasurer John Chiang, State Controller Betty Yee, and Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma have all taken office. For the first time, two Chinese-Americans, John Chiang and Betty Yee, hold positions at the highest level of elected office in California.
Donnie Fowler, Executive Director of the Chinese American Voter Education Committee, stated: "John Chiang, Betty Yee, and Fiona Ma are all in charge of California's finances." This demonstrates that Chinese-Americans have already assumed pivotal roles at the highest level of the state government, directly influencing the future development and services of the entire state of California.
Former State Controller John Chiang, having reached his term limit, was easily elected as State Treasurer in last November's election, moving to a new role in managing California's finances. Former Board of Equalization Member Betty Yee, also having reached her term limit, ran for the State Controller seat vacated by John Chiang last year. After a hard-fought battle, Betty Yee narrowly won. At a brief swearing-in ceremony in Sacramento, Betty Yee shed tears over her hard-won victory.
Former State Assemblymember Fiona Ma, also having reached her term limit, sought to succeed Betty Yee in the Board of Equalization seat. Last November, Fiona Ma was successfully elected without an opponent. Fiona Ma, who holds a CPA license, held her official swearing-in ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, where she invited San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee to attend and show his support.
Donnie Fowler, who also serves as a lecturer in the Political Science Department at San Francisco State University, noted that the number of Chinese-American State Assemblymembers has doubled compared to last year, setting a new record for Chinese-American political participation at the state level.
