Malia Cohen
- Controller: 2023-present
News coverage of Malia Cohen
Bio
Malia Cohen, 48, is a former elected member of the Board of Equalization and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. She worked as a field organizer in now-Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first campaign for mayor of San Francisco. After the election, she was his chief of staff. She also worked for San Mateo County Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson and started a consulting firm for public policy and social media. She was elected to the Board of Equalization in 2018 and was its chair in 2019 and 2022. Born and raised in San Francisco, she received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Fisk University and a master’s degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University. She and her husband live in San Francisco with their daughter.
Job Description
The controller is responsible for disbursing state cash, including payroll for state employees. The controller helps administer two of the nation’s largest public pension funds and serves on 70 state boards and commissions. The controller also stores and returns property and money that Californians haven’t claimed. The controller oversees 1,600 employees and has a budget of $442 million.
Influence
There are three categories of donations after they are elected that encourage a working relationship between the donor and the official. The three categories are: 1-Gifts, 2-Travel, 3-Behests.
Policy
Bill Positions
This officeholder or this office has taken positions on the following bills during the current session.
Election Results
Previous Election (2022):