John Chiang (California politician)

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For the Kuomintang politician, see John Chiang.

John Chiang (born July 31, 1962 in New York City) is a Democratic politician and the current California State Controller-elect. He currently serves as Chair of the California Board of Equalization and represents the Fourth District, primarily serving southern Los Angeles County. He ran for California State Controller in 2006, defeating Republican nominee Tony Strickland.

Chiang is the son of immigrants from Taiwan. He was born in New York City and grew up in Chicago. He graduated with honors with a degree in Finance from the University of South Florida and has a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He came to Los Angeles in 1987.

Chiang began his career as a tax law specialist for the IRS. He worked as an attorney for then California State Controller Gray Davis, and also worked on the staff of California Senator Barbara Boxer. He was first elected to office as Member of the Board of Equalization in 1998 and elected to a second four-year term in 2002.

Chiang lives with his wife in Torrance, California.