Kicking off his campaign with a demonstrable show of force, State Assemblymember Mike Gipson formally entered the 2026 race for Board of Equalization District 3 on Jan. 21.
In launching his bid for the Board of Equalization, Mike Gipson released the following statement:
“At a time of great uncertainty, when our district confronts the aftermath of the most devastating fires this region has ever seen and California faces a second Trump Administration after two years of steep deficits, 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.
“Throughout my career in the State Assembly, as City Councilmember and as a Police Officer, 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.
“That’s why I’m running for Board of Equalization, to ensure big corporations pay their fair share, protect taxpayers, and increase transparency at the BOE to ensure our state has the resources we need to provide for the safety, security, and prosperity of all Californians.”
Gipson begins the campaign with roughly $300,000 cash on hand and an abundance of endorsements from local and statewide leaders. Below are select statements from his supporters.
“I am proud to endorse Mike Gipson for the California State Board of Equalization. As a member of the Assembly, Mike has the longest track record serving as Democratic Caucus Chair. He has fought for Californians by ensuring unprecedented investments in affordable housing, strengthening our infrastructure, raising the minimum wage, and protecting taxpayers. Mike is committed to making sure that your tax dollars work for you, and I am confident that he will bring that same commitment and conviction to the BOE.”
– California State Controller Malia M. Cohen
“Mike Gipson has a dynamic background, from his service as a public safety officer to his time as a local City Councilmember, to his current role in the State Assembly. Mike has the skills, knowledge and proven leadership that we need from our next Board of Equalization member for the 3rd District, and I’m proud to endorse him.”
– Former California State Board of Equalization Member Jerome Horton
“Mike Gipson is a longtime friend, a leader with a big heart, and a warrior for working families and his constituents. Given Mike’s background in local and state office, as well as at the Board of Equalization, he has the skills needed to be an effective leader for LA County on the BOE. Mike has my enthusiastic endorsement.”
– Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
“I’m excited to endorse my friend Mike Gipson for the Board of Equalization because he has been a dedicated, effective public servant throughout his career. As a member of the Board of Equalization, Mike will continue to fight for transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that the voice of every taxpayer is heard.”
– Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker
First elected in 2014, Mike Gipson currently represents the 65th District in the California State Assembly. Gipson previously served as Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair until July 2023 where he was the longest-serving Caucus Chair in California State history.
During his Assembly tenure, Gipson has been a leader on a wide variety of issues, authoring laws that improved the quality of education, expanded access to affordable healthcare, addressed homelessness, strengthened gun safety protections, enacted sensible criminal justice reform, and ensured safer communities. Gipson also helped champion the Legislature’s successful efforts to pass a groundbreaking transportation package focused on infrastructure improvements. He currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Before being elected to the Assembly, Gipson served as a Carson City Council Member and police officer and has led local nonprofits to help at-risk youth stay engaged in school and off the streets. Gipson also previously served as a chief of staff for the Former Chair of the Board of Equalization and as a community organizer for the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) to protect teachers and parents and prepare LA’s students for the jobs of tomorrow.
Gipson grew up in Watts, where his parents raised him to know the importance of faith, a good education, and most critically, the importance of giving back to your community. Gipson currently lives in Carson with his wife, LeCresha. They have two sons, Devon and Jordan along with their five grandchildren. Their third son, D’Ancee, was killed at 3 years old as a victim of a hit-and-run motorist who has never been captured.
For more information, visit mikegipson.net.
