Could three women serve in California’s statewide constitutional offices for the first time in the state’s history?
It’s possible – maybe even likely.
It will take several more days for the Secretary of State to finalize election results from the June 5 primary, but here – as of 11:38 am on June 6 – are the results that could lead to a history-making general election:
Lieutenant Governor – Two Democrats emerged as top vote-getters, with Democrat Eleni Kounalakis (23.4%) besting expected front-runner Ed Hernandez (20.8%) – setting up a fierce contest in November.
Treasurer – Democrat Fiona Ma had a strong finish with 43.2% of the vote, and will most likely defeat Republican Greg Conlon (22%) in the general election.
Controller – Incumbent Controller Betty Yee trounced her opponents with 60.9% of the vote, and should have no trouble dispensing with Republican Konstantinos Roditis (35%) in November.
According to the Center for American Women & Politics, only ten women have ever held statewide elective office in California, including two appointed to fill vacancies (see table).
While there have been many instances where two women served simultaneously in the state’s eight statewide executive offices, never before have three women served at the same time.
California voters have never elected a woman governor, insurance commissioner, or lieutenant governor, though Mona Pasquil was appointed lieutenant governor when John Garamendi vacated the position to serve in Congress.
