San Diego County, California

San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector

2 candidates are tracked for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Larry Cohen and Shirley Nakawatase. Candidate information follows official San Diego County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

In the June 2 primary, appointed incumbent Larry Cohen led with 47.38 percent, just short of a majority; Shirley Nakawatase placed second with 33.68 percent. Cohen and Nakawatase advance to the November 3 runoff, per the San Diego County Registrar of Voters' election-night results.

What this office does

County treasurer. The county treasurer collects property taxes and other revenue, holds the county's funds, and invests them under state rules. The treasurer distributes tax collections to the county, cities, school districts and special districts that levy them. The office is a custodian of public money, not the body that sets the tax rate.

This race. Nonpartisan: candidates appear without party labels. Every voter in San Diego County votes on this seat.

California › San Diego County › San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Larry Cohen

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

Taxpayer protection and transparent financial reporting
Expanding property tax relief programs for seniors, veterans and low-income homeowners
Prudent investment of public funds

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Larry Cohen is the appointed incumbent Treasurer-Tax Collector for San Diego County, overseeing more than 16 billion dollars in public funds, per the campaign site. He previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services and Chief of Staff to Congressman Juan Vargas, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Shirley Nakawatase

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

Efficient, transparent tax collection with modernized, accessible tools
Prudent management and investment of county funds
Taxpayer advocacy, including financial literacy and tax-relief education

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Shirley Nakawatase is a certified public accountant and small business owner with more than 40 years of experience in tax preparation, financial consulting and business restructuring, according to her campaign site. She earned her accounting degree from San Diego State University, per KPBS. Shirley Nakawatase appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector, per the county elections office's certified candidate list.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotSan Diego City Council, District 2

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector in 2026?

When is the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector election in California?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for California are on the California election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact San Diego County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official San Diego County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official California election office, or see the full San Diego County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your San Diego County ballot

19 tracked races in San Diego County, California. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

San Diego City Council, District 4 San Diego City Council, District 6 San Diego City Council, District 8 See all 19 San Diego County races

Candidate profiles

Larry Cohen, full profile Shirley Nakawatase, full profile Official California election office