Due to strict absolute lifetime term limit laws, incumbent Democratic State Controller Betty Yee was ineligible to run for a third term.

Democrat Malia Cohen won the election, defeating Republican Lanhee Chen.

[63] By October 2021, Chen had received over $1 million from 307 donors, including Jerry Yang, Steve Poizner, and John T.

[64] Glazer's campaign was financially supported by the California Chamber of Commerce.

[65] Cohen won 36 of 52 congressional districts, with the remaining 16 going to Chen, including four that elected Democrats.