Election 2014: State Controller Candidate Ashley Swearengin

A race that usually doesn’t attract a lot of attention is making headlines this year as much for who’s in as for who’s out.In the June primary, Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, once thought to be a long shot, emerged as the top vote-getter in the race for State Controller. She and State Board of Equalization member, Betty Yee, edged out long time Assemblymember John Perez.Swearengin and Yee are now in a runoff for the November election.

Swearengin is the mayor of Fresno, elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012 with 75% of the vote. She has a business background, founding the Regional Jobs Initiative in Fresno. Swearengin inherited a $55 million budget shortfall when she was first elected mayor although named one of California’s 10 best mayors by Capitol Weekly.

Recently, Swearengin was the top vote-getting in the race for Controller in the June Primary. John Perez ordered a recount after coming in 481 votes behind Betty Yee, but he just called the recount off and conceeded.