Assemblymember Mike Gipson, CA’s 65th District
Carson, CA — As California heads into the 2026 election cycle, all four elected seats on the State Board of Equalization are up for grabs, with voters in each of the agency’s four geographic districts choosing a representative. The board—which handles tax appeals, property tax oversight and equalization, and other key functions tied to California’s revenue system — has taken on renewed visibility as debates over affordability, business climate, wildfire recovery and state revenues intensify.
This year’s race is expected to draw a mix of current and former elected officials, with candidates positioning themselves around tax fairness, government accountability, and economic recovery as central themes shaping the contest.
Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) is one of those candidates. He is running to represent District 3, which covers Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
In a conversation with California Black Media (CBM), Gipson outlined why he is running for a seat on the board; explained how his legislative and tax policy experience has prepared him for the role; and shared what he sees as the path forward to ensure fairness, accountability, and stability in California’s tax system.
Why is now the right moment for you to run?
At a time of great uncertainty, when our district confronts a second Trump Administration after two years of steep deficits and the aftermath of the most devastating fires this region has ever seen, it is critical that our state has proven, effective leaders who will be diligent watchdogs of California’s tax system. In the coming years, California must have the resources needed to keep our residents afloat, including responding to wildfires and other disasters. That’s why I decided to run for the Board of Equalization, because California needs experienced, forward-thinking leaders at the helm.
How has your legislative experience specifically prepared you to be effective on the board?
Throughout my career in the State Assembly, as a City Councilmember and working as a staffer inside the Board of Equalization, I have been a committed champion for my constituents in providing resources and funding for important programs in communities that have been historically underserved. As the longest-serving Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair in California history, I helped lead our state through significant budget shortfalls, while always protecting working families and our most vulnerable communities.
Currently, I serve as chair of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, where I lead policy discussions on revenue and taxation in California on a weekly basis, managing our revenue and protecting our state budget.
How would your vision, leadership and influence shape the work of the Board of Equalization to better serve Californians?
The State Board of Equalization is primarily responsible for administering the state’s property tax system and certain state taxes and fees. Its core duties include setting statewide property tax assessment standards, ensuring uniformity and fairness in how property is assessed across California’s 58 counties, and hearing appeals related to property tax assessments and BOE-administered taxes.
While I am not a fan of recent reforms curtailing the Board’s responsibilities, these roles are intended to protect taxpayers’ rights while ensuring that state and local governments receive the revenue needed to fund public services.
I believe the BOE needs to be incredibly aggressive in pursuing tax collections from delinquent payers, particularly those with a tremendous amount of wealth who are robbing our state coffers at a time when we face tremendous budgetary insecurity. As a member of the BOE, I will be steadfastly committed to enacting successful tax collection operations from delinquent payers.
What are your top priorities, and how will they improve tax fairness for everyday Californians?
On the BOE, I’m committed to ensuring big corporations pay their fair share, protecting taxpayers, and increasing transparency at the BOE to ensure our state has the resources we need to provide for the safety, security, and prosperity of all Californians.
How are you reaching and educating voters in a race where many people don’t even know what this office does?
Over the course of my time in public service, I have amassed the breadth and depth of experience that it takes to win this race for the Board of Equalization. Throughout this campaign, I have amassed significant endorsements from prominent labor unions and esteemed elected officials. However, I take nothing for granted and I am continuing to hustle every day to expand my coalition of support and increase the size of my war chest. I look forward to continuing to expand my coalition in the weeks and months to come. We are utilizing all available methods to reach out to voters, including digital.
What sets you apart from your opponents, and what does success look like for you if elected?
I am the only candidate who has the wide-ranging experience needed for this role. Not only have I been a public servant for over two decades, but I’ve also worked directly inside the Board of Equalization and I understand how it works.
In one sentence, why should voters choose you on June 2?
I’ve dedicated my life’s work to public service, and on the Board of Equalization, I will bring in the funds needed to support quality health care, strong schools, and vital social services that sustain families and communities across our state.
Article By: Edward Henderson, California Black Media
