California’s first Asian lieutenant governor has ties to esteemed Chinese military family

California Democrat Fiona Ma, 60, has etched her name in history as the first Asian-American lieutenant governor, a milestone that underscores the growing representation of Asian-Americans in state politics. Ma, the state's current treasurer, was elected to the position, marking a momentous occasion for the Asian-American community. She expressed her deep humility and honor in a statement to the South China Morning Post, reflecting on breaking another "bamboo ceiling".

Born to Chinese immigrant parents in New York, Ma embarked on her political journey in San Francisco, where she was elected to the Board of Supervisors. Her career progressed to the state level, where she held several key positions before her recent election as lieutenant governor. The Chinese-language media and online communities have taken notice of Ma's unique background, tracing her family history back to a prominent military and political clan in Yunnan province in southwestern China during the early 20th century.

Ma's grandfather, Ma Zhen, was a lieutenant general in the Republic of China Army who became Kunming's first mayor in 1928. Her grandfather was succeeded by two brothers, both of whom served as generals during the Sino-Japanese War, amplifying the family's esteemed reputation. Ma learned about her grandfather's history later in life, stating she never met him as his grandparents passed away before her birth. After moving to Hong Kong in 1949, Ma's grandfather passed away in 1963, three years before Ma's birth.

The family's historic residence in Kunming, a century-old courtyard, remains preserved as a protected heritage site, now serving as a cultural venue. Ma visited the site in 2023 alongside her father. Ma's parents' immigrant journey has played a significant role in her political story, instilling values such as hard work, education, perseverance, and giving back.

She credits their belief in the American dream for her own success in California. Ma's election to lieutenant governor honors generations of Asian-Americans who have broken barriers and paved the way for future leaders, inspiring young people, especially young girls and children of immigrants, to dream big and work hard.