Gipson seeks Board of Equalization seat in Nov. 3 election

Mike Anthony Gipson, a Democrat and current state Assembly member, is running for the California State Board of Equalization District 3 seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces fellow Democrat Samuel P. Sukaton, according to BallotReady election data.

Gipson, who lives in Carson, said on his campaign website that he wants to increase audits and close tax loopholes while reducing the tax burden on working families, seniors on fixed incomes and small businesses.

Candidate information

Party: Democratic
Residence: Carson, California
Born: June 25, 1966, in Los Angeles
Education: High school diploma, John C. Fremont High School; associate's degree, Los Angeles Southwest College; bachelor's degree in business/management, University of Phoenix

Experience and public service

Gipson has served as Assembly member for California's 65th District since 2014, according to BallotReady profile data. He served as Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair from 2021 to 2023, according to LegiStorm. He previously served as a councilmember on the Carson City Council.

Before entering elected office, Gipson worked as a police officer at the Maywood Police Department and as a nonprofit leader and community organizer, according to BallotReady and Ballotpedia.

Gipson said on his campaign website that he is the longest-serving Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair in California history.

On the issues

Gipson's policy positions below come from his campaign website and candidate questionnaire responses collected by BallotReady.

Taxes and budget: Gipson said he is committed to making sure big corporations and very wealthy individuals pay their fair share. He said he would use the Board of Equalization seat to increase audits and oversight targeting tax loopholes used by insurance companies, utilities, big businesses and the super-rich. He also said he would work to reduce the tax burden on working families, seniors on fixed incomes and small businesses.

Public safety: Gipson, a former police officer, said he believes local law enforcement needs support and resources to tackle crime. He said he also supports programs that keep kids off the streets.

Housing: Gipson said California must continue investing in affordable housing development and expand resources for homeless residents, including funding for shelters, health care and mental health services.

Education: Gipson said he believes education is "the greatest equalizer in our society" and would fight to improve neighborhood schools and ensure K-12 public schools have needed resources. He also called for reinvestment in community colleges and public universities.

Health care: Gipson said California should guarantee health care coverage to everyone and set an example for the country.