California Treasurer Candidates Discuss Digital Asset Risk and Public Funds

Jennifer Hawks and Eleni Kounalakis are candidates for the California treasurer position. Both candidates stated that while digital financial assets will remain part of California’s economy, the state must prioritize protecting taxpayers and consumers. Hawks expressed caution against putting state funds or pension assets into speculative digital assets, while Kounalakis emphasized consumer protection and maintaining California’s credit rating.

The discussion centers on how the state manages public pension funds and its relationship with volatile digital assets. The state treasurer serves on the governing boards of California’s major public pension systems, making the candidates' stances relevant to state investment risk and fiscal policy.

Candidates, including Eleni Kounalakis, are running in a primary election where the Lt. Governor role involves overseeing university systems.