Villa Park

*Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

Campaign Statement:

“Eleni Kounalakis | DEMOCRATIC

I'm a businesswoman, financial expert and daughter of Greek immigrants. I believe in the California dream and as Lieutenant Governor have worked hard supporting small business, education and opportunities for hard working families. I'm running for State Treasurer to be a disciplined, responsible manager of California's finances, focused on protecting working families, strengthening our economy, and making smart investments that reflect our values. I'm running for State Treasurer to: Build affordable housing using public finance. Fight Trump's attacks on our health care and immigrants. Protect the pensions of hard-working Californians. Invest in the financial future of children and families. I have the support of Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. I also have the support and endorsement of over 450,000 California teachers. California's firefighters, first responders and health care workers also support my candidacy and I hope to have yours as well. As a businesswoman, I spent decades building housing communities, using infrastructure financing, and delivering results. As California's 50th Lieutenant Governor and a former Obama diplomat, I've brought real-world financial expertise to some of the state's toughest challenges. I've created clean-energy jobs, managed public lands, and voted to approve more than 60,000 new beds on college campuses to help lower costs for students and families. I'm a fierce fighter for democracy. I'm on the front lines against Donald Trump's attacks on immigrant communities and women's reproductive freedom—all while protecting our environment and California's core values. EleniForCA.com”

Email: info@eleniforca.com

Campaign Website: https://eleniforca.com/

Eleni’s website does not have her priorities, issues, etc listed, which is unusual for a campaign website. Normally we’d provide that information in this guide. However, her campaign website highlights a number of elements of her experience she finds important, including: 

• “Eleni joined her father in building one of California’s most respected housing development firms, AKT Development.”

• “In 2010, she was appointed by President Obama as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, where she worked to advance democracy and American values abroad.”

• “In her roles as chair of the State Lands Commission and a voting member on the University of California Board of Regents and California State University Board of Trustees, she has helped oversee billions in public assets.”

• “...approving the construction of over 60,000 beds on college campuses.”

Any Other Interesting Info:

• As Lt. Governor in 2021, Kounalakis established the state’s Transgender Advisory Council, a first in the nation, “a council of transgender leaders to create a dialogue between state leaders and the transgender community in California”, with a goal of “bring(ing) attention to the issues faced by the transgender community by inviting stakeholders in advocacy, government, and different industry sectors to hear directly from the council.” Regarding the establishment of this council, she said, “Here in California, I’m proud we have enacted many protections for LGBTQ+ people, but we still have work to do, and that is especially true for issues facing our transgender and nonbinary family, friends, and neighbors (...) establishing this council gives transgender leaders the space to have an open dialogue with key stakeholders who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to hear directly from them. I hope bridging this gap will help to amplify important issues and bring more understanding of the community. I look forward to the opportunity to listen, to learn, and to help elevate the voices of the members.”

Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EleniKounalakis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EleniForCA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleniforca

• On Instagram, she posted a selfie with Pete Buttigieg, with the caption, “It was great to support my friend @Pete.Buttigieg yesterday! I am grateful for the work he is doing to help build and invest in the new generation of politics and political leaders who will lead our country into this new era of democracy.”

• She also shared her endorsement from Equality CA on Instagram, with the caption, “It is an honor to have earned the endorsement from @EQCA! Equality California is the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization that fights to protect LGBTQ+ Californians at the local, state, and national levels, and I am proud to stand alongside them in the continued fight for equality.”

• She shared an endorsement from Reproductive Freedom for All, too, with the caption, “We’re endorsing Eleni Kounalakis for California Treasurer! As Lieutenant Governor, @EleniForCa worked to safeguard and strengthen access to essential reproductive care. And as State Treasurer, she will continue to protect our fundamental freedoms.” To clarify, this post was made by RF4A, and Eleni is a collaborator on that post. 

• She also posted on Instagram a celebration of the democratic defeat of Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who is one of the biggest global leaders in the anti-LGBTQ movement, saying, “As the former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, I witnessed firsthand the early rise of Viktor Orbán and the consolidation of power that followed. Yesterday, the Hungarian people made their voices heard—choosing a new path that puts democracy, accountability, and the future of their country first.”

• You can read the 2024 statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance, issued by Kounalakis’ Transgender Advisory Council, here. 

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• Equality California

• Reproductive Freedom for All

• NUHW Healthcare Union

• California Environmental Voters

• California Coastal Commission

• West Stanislaus County Fire Protection District

• Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club

• Fresno State Cross Cultural Gender Center

• Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

• SF Women's Political Committee

• CA Dept of Corrections

• California Volunteers

• Second Lady Usha Vance

• Stop AAPI Hate

Candidate’s Public Comments:

• In an LA Times article reprinted by Yahoo, Kounalakis said her approach would be to 'lean in’ to clean investments. “But it has to be balanced with recognizing that the returns at CalPERS and CalSTRS are very important for the hard-earned pensions of those whose retirement is being managed (...) My top priorities would be to manage the state's finances with responsibility and experience,’ she said, ‘and to build more housing and the infrastructure to support it, to protect our pensions and manage our investment portfolio with transparency and accountability.”

• Eleni ran for governor in 2023, but ended her campaign to redirect to the State Treasurer race. Of the decision to switch races, she said, “I am very happy because it is so closely aligned with my skill set (...) I think it's so important to have a state treasurer who has that kind of experience to manage our financial future responsibly (...) I have been using my international experience serving the state as our representative for international trade and investment, which has a very heavy economic development piece to it.”

• When asked about her priorities, she said she’d lean into investments into clean energy, continuing, “My top priorities would be to manage the state's finances with responsibility and experience (...) and to build more housing and the infrastructure to support it, to protect our pensions and manage our investment portfolio with transparency and accountability.”

• Speaking on AB 245, which required CA higher education institutions to allow trans students to change their names on their diplomas and records, which she co-sponsored, she said, “California is taking an important step towards protecting and supporting trans and gender nonconforming students in California’s public higher education institutions by ensuring that every student receives a diploma that accurately reflects their chosen name.”

Endorsed by: (See link for full list)

• Equality California 

• Kamala Harris

• Hillary Clinton

• Barbara Boxer (Fmr. CA Congresswoman)

• Adam Schiff (CA Congressman)

• Alex Padilla (CA Congressman)

• Nancy Pelosi (CA Congresswoman)

• Pete Buttigieg

• Gavin Newsom

• Fiona Ma (Current State Treasurer)

• Malia Cohen (Current State Controller)

• Rob Bonta (Current State Attorney General)

• CA Labor Federation

• Teamsters CA

• California Federation of Teachers

• California Teachers Association

• California State Association of Electrical Workers

• East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club

• San Francisco Women’s Political Committee

• Sierra Club

• Reproductive Freedom for All

• California YIMBY

• California Environmental Voters

• California Council for Affordable Housing

Candidate in the News:

• Your guide to the California state treasurer race: Who will replace Fiona Ma?

• Lt. Governor Kounalakis Establishes Transgender Advisory Council

• Newsom Signs Bill To Ensure Trans, Nonbinary Students’ Diplomas Reflect Identities

• (Right-leaning Opinion Piece) Another First from California: the Nation’s First Transgender Voting Place

• SF leaders wear Pride on their sleeves at flag raising event

• The California Lt. Gov who could soon end up in the U.S. Senate

• (Endorsement from SF Chronicle) Eleni Kounalakis for California treasurer

Public Voting Record:

• As Lt. Governor, Kounalakis co-sponsored AB 378, the Gender Equity in Leadership Act, which removes gendered language relating to the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Controller, Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Board of Equalization. Source

• As Lt. Governor, Kounalakis co-sponsored AB 245, which requires California's public colleges and universities to allow transgender and nonbinary students to update their academic records—including diplomas—with their affirmed names and correct gender markers, preventing them from being deadnamed. Source

Follow the Money: via the link

(*not available for CITY government positions)

• https://www.transparencyusa.org/ca/candidate/eleni-kounalakis/

• $11,571,047 Cash on Hand

• $9,367,777 Total Contributions

• $14,202,620 Total Expenditures

• Top 10 contributors:

  • $572,141.68 Eleni Kounalakis

  • $310,615.48 Aggregated Unitemized Contributions

  • $53,800.00 Tina Thomas

  • $39,200.00 California Professional Firefighters Ballot Issues Committee

  • $39,200.00 California Teachers Association/association for Better Citizenship

  • $39,200.00 Professional Engineers in California Government Pecg PAC

  • $39,200.00 Ronald Conway

  • $38,800.00 Association of California School Administrators PAC

  • $37,800.00 Richard J Saker

  • $34,400.00 Raise the Wage California Sponsored by the California State Council of Service Employees and Its Affiliates

*Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

Campaign Statement:

“Jennifer Hawks | REPUBLICAN

I am not a career politician, and that perspective is exactly why I’m running for California State Treasurer. A Silicon Valley resident since 1983, I’ve watched California grow, innovate, and face increasingly complex financial challenges. I raised my family here, worked inside large organizations, and served on community and public boards where budgets had to balance and decisions carried real consequences. Those experiences taught me that good intentions are not enough. Sound financial management requires discipline, follow-through, and accountability. California’s fiscal challenges did not happen overnight. They are the result of years of decisions made without sufficient scrutiny or long-term discipline. I am detail-driven and persistent, and I believe the Treasurer has a responsibility to ask hard questions, follow the money, and provide clear answers to the public when something doesn’t add up. Honesty, integrity, and transparency are not slogans; they are essential duties of this office. The Treasurer’s Office should operate with rigorous oversight, measurable performance standards, and full transparency for taxpayers, local governments, and investors. As Treasurer, I will prioritize thorough audits, clear reporting, and practical financial discipline to strengthen California’s fiscal foundation. This office exists to safeguard public money, independent of political agendas. My focus will be on what best serves the people of California. Responsible stewardship, accountability, and long-term financial stability. Vote Jennifer Hawks www.hawksforus.com”

Email: info@hawksforus.com

Campaign Website: https://hawksforus.com/

Her campaign website has the following piece of Biblical scripture on it, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. - Joshua 1:9”. The book of Joshua is part of the Old Testament in the Bible covering the story of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land, and the scripture she’s quoting appears to be the New International Version translation of the Bible. 

Her website has a page labeled “The Problem”, which says the following; “Breaking: CAL DOGE Exposes $435 Billion in Fraud & Waste (...) $435 Billion Lost. Zero Accountability.

That's over $22,000 stolen from every California taxpayer. The Controller has missed federal audit deadlines three years running.” 

Among other things listed on her campaign website highlighting ‘The Problem’ with the State Treasurer’s office, she also includes, “The Human Crisis”, which goes into detail about the homelessness crisis in CA, mostly referring to the unhoused population living rough on CA states. “Since 2018, California has spent more than $24 billion on homelessness programs. Over the same period, the unhoused population has grown to more than 180,000 people — the largest in the United States. The crisis didn't shrink. It accelerated.”   

• Pride at the Pier Note: Over 50% of the population of homeless trans people in the United States live in CA, largely contributed to by the massive refugee crisis of hundreds of thousands of trans people fleeing states that are hostile to trans people. 

Any Other Interesting Info:

• Hawks sat for an interview with former Republican Congressmember Matt Gaetz, who now has a show on OAN. As a reminder, Gaetz was pushed out of Congress largely as a response from even members within his own party after details of his sexual conduct with minors became public knowledge. Source

• Hawks has never served in elected office before, something she feels makes her uniquely qualified for this seat, as she is outside of the political establishment. 

Social Media Links: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/votehawks

Instagram: https://instagram.com/votehawks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585043011188 

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• David Tangipa, CA Assemblymember and anti-trans activist

• Rogan O’Handley, “DC_Draino”, America First Lawyer

• California Republican Party

• Gloria Romero, Republican Candidate for Lt. Governor

• Michael Gates, fmr. HB City Attorney, fmr. Trump DOJ, Candidate for CA AG. Anti-LGBTQ+ activist.

• Herb Morgan, Republican candidate for State Controller

• CA Rifle & Pistol Association Political Action Committee

• California Globe, Right Wing Biased news engine

• Nick Shirley, Far-right influencer involved with Trump administration

• James O'Keefe, founder of Project Veritas

• Cam Higby, Far-right media figure

• Reform California

• Carl DeMaio, CA State Assemblymember and chair of Reform CA

Candidate’s Public Comments:

• On instagram, “When i'm in office Fraudifornia will be a distant memory because we will track every dollar spent.”

• On instagram, “Right now, we are living in a dark time, and you can see it running rampant on the streets of Los Angeles.”

• When asked by the OC Register where she stands on the question of divesting CA state funds from Israel, she replied, “I favor smart investing, so Californians get the best rate of return possible for their money. So whatever is going to maximize our investment returns is what matters most. CalPERS and CalSTRS manage a $1 trillion portfolio combined. Those funds are invested in a wide variety of banks, bonds, and companies, based on what is going to profit Californians. The target is 7% to remain solvent. Between $1 and $2 billion is invested in banks, bonds and stocks linked to Israel. Some of those companies are well-known multinational corporations, like Caterpillar and Chevron. And the return on those for fiscal year ’24-’25 was 11.6% for CalPERS and 8.5% for CalSTRS, well above the target 7%. So 0.1-0.2% of the portfolio is putting $100 to $227 million into their trusts, helping cover unfunded liabilities and reducing the amount of taxpayer money the state must contribute in the future to keep the pension system solvent. That just makes financial sense; it’s smart investing.”

• When asked how her background prepares her for this role, she answered, “I am not a career politician; I’m a retired businesswoman and mother. I know what it means to balance a budget for both a company and a household. I built my career on managing complex budgets and teams with care and precision. Career politicians treat our state’s funds like a blank check because they’ve never worked in the private sector, where you have to balance the books, meet payroll, ensure there’s a return on every dollar spent and hold vendors to account. As a businesswoman, I know how to cut unnecessary costs and deliver results. I will bring the discipline, transparency and tough love that I learned from years as a business owner to Sacramento.”

Endorsed by: 

• California Republican Party

• California Republican Assembly

• California Rifle and Pistol Association

• California Women's Leadership Association PAC (CWLA PAC)

• Carl DeMaio

• Reform California

• American Independent Party Note: this is NOT the same thing as No Party Preference. The AI Party is an extreme far-right political party. 

• Santa Barbara County Republican Party

• United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California

Candidate in the News:

• “Jennifer Hawks, California Treasurer Candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire”

• Jennifer Hawks, California treasurer candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

• Meet the candidates for State Treasurer

• In the six-way race to be California’s treasurer, it likely comes down to two Democrats

• Donald Trump weighs down state Republicans

Public Voting Record:

• None found, as Hawks has never served in an elected capacity before. 

Follow the Money: 

• https://www.transparencyusa.org/ca/candidate/jennifer-hawks/ 

• $38,436 Cash on Hand

• $32,447 Total Contributions

• $19,011 Total Expenditures

• Top 10 Contributors:

  • $7,500.00, Joy Craft

  • $5,500.00, Carl DeMaio (Chair of Reform CA)

  • $5,000.00, Thomas Gutshall

  • $1,500.00, Robert Varich

  • $1,000.00, Anna Kramer

  • $1,000.00, Carol Ann Petty

  • $1,000.00, Cynthia Varich

  • $1,000.00, Dale Broome

  • $1,000.00, Debbie Brookfield

  • $1,000.00, Marya Keeth