California Treasurer Fiona Ma Tied to Troubled Chinese School

Treasurer's ties to school under investigation for financial misconduct raise questions as she runs for lieutenant governor.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:58pm

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A solitary government office desk with a nameplate in the center, bathed in warm light and deep shadows, conceptually representing the political implications of the treasurer's connections to the troubled school.The California State Treasurer's ties to a Chinese school under investigation for financial misconduct raise concerns as she campaigns for a higher office.Los Angeles Today

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who is running for lieutenant governor, has been linked to a private Chinese boarding school that is under investigation for alleged financial improprieties, including fraud and misappropriation of funds. Ma visited the school in 2023, raising concerns about her connections to the institution as she seeks higher office.

Why it matters

Ma's ties to the troubled school could become a political liability as she campaigns for lieutenant governor. The allegations of financial misconduct at the school raise questions about Ma's judgment and her ability to properly oversee the state's finances if elected to a higher office.

The details

According to reports, the private Chinese boarding school in question was the subject of a scathing audit that found "fraud, misappropriation of funds and/or assets, or other illegal fiscal practices may have occurred." Ma, who is running for California lieutenant governor, visited the school in 2023, sparking concerns about her connections to the institution and its alleged financial improprieties.

  • Ma visited the Chinese boarding school in 2023.
  • The school was the subject of a critical audit in 2026 that found potential financial misconduct.

The players

Fiona Ma

The current California State Treasurer who is running for the position of lieutenant governor.

Chinese Boarding School

A private boarding school in China that is under investigation for alleged financial misconduct, including fraud and misappropriation of funds.

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What’s next

The allegations against the Chinese boarding school and Ma's ties to it are likely to be a focus of scrutiny as she campaigns for lieutenant governor. Voters will be watching to see how Ma addresses the concerns and whether the issue becomes a liability in her bid for higher office.

The takeaway

Ma's connections to the troubled Chinese boarding school raise serious questions about her judgment and financial oversight capabilities as she seeks to become California's next lieutenant governor. Voters will be closely examining this issue as part of evaluating her qualifications for the role.