Former state treasurer Matt Fong has died.
Fong was 57 years old. His wife Paula told the Associated Press that he died in their Pasadena home Wednesday morning after losing a battle with skin cancer.
Fong, a Republican, held the state office from 1995 to 1998. He also served as Vice Chairman of the California State Board of Equalization and was a 1998 Republican nominee for the United States Senate.
Fong was born in Alameda. He was the son of former Democratic California Secretary of State March Fong Eu. March Fong Eu held that officer for 20 years and was the first Asian elected to statewide office in California.
Paula Fong told the Associated Press that her husband will be buried in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he attended the Air Force Academy.
Sen. Barbara Boxer, who ran against Fong for U.S. Senate in 1998 issued the following statement after hearing of his passing:
Matt Fong has had a distinguished career of public service in California and I am very sorry to hear of his passing. In our Senate race years ago, Matt was a strong competitor and we debated passionately, but we always had respect for one another. He will be missed and I send my deepest condolences to his family.
