SACRAMENTO (AP)  — Former California state treasurer Matt Fong, a Republican who lost a challenge to Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, has died after a battle with skin cancer.

His wife, Paula Fong, told The Associated Press, that he died Wednesday morning at their home in Pasadena. He was the son of March Fong Eu, who served 20 years as secretary of state and was the first Asian elected to statewide office in California. He was 57.

Matt Fong, an attorney, served as treasurer from 1994 to 1998 and unsuccessfully challenged Boxer for her Senate seat in 1998.

Boxer issued a statement calling Fong a “strong competitor” who had a distinguished career of public service.

Paula Fong said her husband will be buried in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he attended the Air Force Academy.

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