Brief
California controller Cohen faces audit disputes and recording controversy
Cohen’s office disputes audit delays, a state auditor’s criticism, and a covert recording obtained by O’Keefe Media.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Incumbent California controller Fiona Cohen is contending with multiple disputes over audits and a secret recording of her press officer, according to the Los Angeles Times.
What happened
Cohen, who ran for the office in 2022, promised audits of homeless spending, the DMV and the Employment Development Department. Her office later said it did not conduct those audits, citing reliance on other agencies and a lack of resources.
The controller’s office has also been embroiled in a long‑standing delay of the state’s annual comprehensive financial report, which credit agencies use to assess California’s fiscal health. Cohen attributes the lateness to other departments’ slow data delivery, while the state auditor’s 2025 letter accused the controller’s office of resisting an independent review for over a year.
In addition, a recording obtained by conservative activist group O’Keefe Media captured Cohen’s press officer admitting that the auditing team had been cut and that the office lacked resources for proactive audits. Cohen called the recording illegal and declined to comment; the officer did not respond to a request for comment from The Times.
What was said
Cohen told the Times that she succeeded in publishing the financial report closer to its due date and that her office disputes the auditor’s version of events.
The state auditor’s 2025 letter said the controller’s office spent more than a year “resisting an independent review” of the delayed report.
Cohen’s press officer, in the secretly recorded conversation, said the auditing team was cut by the state and that the office lacks resources for proactive audits.
Key facts
- Cohen’s office did not conduct the promised audits of homeless spending, DMV and EDD. (latimes.com)
- The state auditor accused the controller’s office of resisting an independent review for over a year. (latimes.com)
- A recording obtained by O’Keefe Media captured the press officer saying the auditing team was cut and resources were lacking. (latimes.com)
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Your guide to the California controller race: Incumbent Cohen vs. challenger Morgan”
