As part of  Carson Compass’ Your Vote, Your Voice election coverage, the newspaper is introducing candidates seeking state and local offices in the Nov. 3 general election.

Ayanna Davis says she knows what Assembly District 65 families are up against because she grew up in one.

“As someone who grew up in a single-parent home in Compton and later became a classroom teacher, union member, and lifelong public educator, I understand the challenges working families and students face every day,” Davis said in her response to Inland Valley News’ candidate questionnaire.

Davis, a Democrat and [former] Compton Unified School District board member, is running for the open 65th Assembly District seat. The district includes Carson, Compton, Watts, Willowbrook, North Long Beach, Harbor Gateway, Harbor City, Wilmington and San Pedro.

Assemblymember Mike Gipson, who is termed out, has endorsed her. Gipson is running for the State Board of Equalization.

Davis faces Republican Lydia Gutierrez in November. In the June primary, Davis received 46.3% of the vote and Gutierrez 19.2%. Gutierrez did receive the invitation to participate and at press time has not responded.

Why She’s Running

Davis said the students she has taught inspired her to run.

“I am inspired by the young people I have taught and am running for State Assembly to fight for their futures,” she said.

She said education is only part of the job. “We must also address affordable housing, gun violence, wages, and other challenges facing working families.”

Cost of Living First

Davis said her first priority would be the rising cost of living.

“Too many families are working hard and still struggling to afford housing, childcare, groceries, healthcare, and other basic necessities,” she said.

She said she would bring a practical, results-driven approach to Sacramento.

On wages and work, Davis said she would fight to raise pay, strengthen workplace protections and expand health and retirement benefits. “As the cost of housing continues to skyrocket while wages remain stagnant, we need to do more to ensure that working families don’t just get by – but thrive,” she said.

On housing, she said she would cut red tape so that we can build more affordable housing. She would also expand shelters and mental health services to address the root causes of homelessness.

Schools

Davis called building a more equitable public education system another top priority.

“Too many of our schools are under-funded and under-staffed,” she said.

She supports full funding for public schools, higher teacher pay, and more STEM, arts and after-school programs. She also wants more support for early childhood education.

Her Record on the Compton Unified Board

Davis joined the Compton Unified board in 2022. She cited the district’s results during her time there as her strongest qualification.

Compton Unified’s 93% graduation rate for the class of 2024 ranked first in Los Angeles County, according to the district. Davis also said the district posted top test scores among similar California districts. She said students gained half a grade level during the pandemic, “when many other low-income schools lost ground.”

That work, she said, “taught me how to listen, build consensus, navigate complex systems, and turn community priorities into measurable results.”

“I am not running simply to hold office,” Davis said. “I am running to be a strong, accessible voice for the people of AD65 and deliver results they can see in their everyday lives.”

Staying Accountable

“It is not simply about making residents feel heard,” Davis said. “I will listen to and include the residents of AD65 in every decision that directly impacts our community.”

She said she would hold town halls, community meetings and office hours. “Just as importantly, I will make sure residents hear back from me about how their input is shaping policy and legislative priorities.”

Endorsements

Davis’ endorsers include:

• CA Assemblymember Mike Gipson
• Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas
• U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff
• House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
• The California Democratic Party
• The California Federation of Labor Unions and dozens of other labor unions

Her endorsements also include:

• Law enforcement groups: the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the Peace Officers Research Association of California
• Business and housing groups: the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, California YIMBY, and the Compton and Long Beach chambers of commerce

Locally, she is endorsed by Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, Councilmembers Jawane Hilton and Arleen Rojas, City Clerk Dr. Khaleah Bradshaw and City Treasurer Monica Cooper. Compton Mayor Emma Sharif and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson have also endorsed her.

Beyond the Ballot

• Favorite local spot: Juice-C-Juice, Carson which she recommends for its smoothies.
• Coffee or tea: “Coffee over tea, but truly love both.”
• Currently reading: Lovely One: A Memoir by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
• One-word friends would use to describe her: “Relentless.”

Her Message to Voters

If elected, Davis said she wants residents to say “I listened, I showed up, and I delivered.”

“Most importantly, I want them to say that I never forgot who I work for: the people of AD65,” she said.

“I’m asking for your support because I believe AD65 deserves a representative who listens, shows up, and delivers,” Davis said. “I will bring practical leadership, accountability and a commitment to improving the quality of life for working families. Together, we can build a stronger, more affordable, and more equitable future for our communities.”