Samuel P. Sukaton, a Democrat and labor organizer, is running for the California State Board of Equalization District 3 seat in the Nov. 3 general election.
Sukaton faces fellow Democrat Mike Anthony Gipson in the race. District 3 covers Los Angeles County.
Sukaton said on his campaign website that growing up in the Inland Empire as the son of working-class parents shaped his lifelong commitment to building a system that rewards honesty and protects working families.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Education: High school diploma, San Gorgonio High School; bachelor's in history, UCLA (2011)
- Current role: Lead organizer, AFT Local 1521 (2023–present), the LA Community College Faculty Guild, which Sukaton's campaign describes as representing faculty in the largest community college district in California
Sukaton describes himself as a democratic socialist and Working Families Democrat, according to his Instagram profile.
Experience and public service
Sukaton's work history, per BallotReady, includes:
- California area director for Orange County/Inland Empire, Bernie Sanders for President (2019–2020)
- Digital organizing manager, California Calls (2020)
- State advocacy coordinator, California Environmental Voters (2020–2023)
- Lead organizer, AFT Local 1521 (2023–present)
Sukaton's campaign also says he has done advocacy work with the California Public Utilities Commission, Energy Commission, Air Resources Board and Natural Resources Agency.
On the issues
Property tax oversight: Sukaton says he would maintain rigorous audits and compliance checks of assessors to ensure local performance meets statewide standards. He says he would strengthen oversight of county assessors so property valuations and exemptions are applied consistently.
Tax transparency: Sukaton says he wants to expand awareness of online tools and data portals so taxpayers can track assessments, appeals and exemptions. He says he would promote a transparent appeals process so taxpayers feel confident the system works for them, not against them.
Proposition 13 and revenue: Sukaton says he supports addressing what he calls Proposition 13 loopholes, which he says inadvertently starve communities and the state of funding for public services. He supports split-roll taxation as an opportunity to raise new revenue.
Small business and homeowner equity: Sukaton says he would fight for small businesses and homeowners to be treated equitably, with no hidden fees, no unfair advantages and direct access to the tax system. He says he would advocate for tax policy that supports local job growth and investment, ensuring tax burdens don't stifle enterprise and that revenues support the infrastructure businesses rely on.
Social services: Sukaton says he supports exemptions and relief programs for veterans, seniors and low-income homeowners while keeping the tax base strong and equitable.
Endorsements
The following endorsements are listed by Blue Voter Guide and BallotReady:
- Culver City Democratic Club
- Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund
- CA Environmental Voters
- Americans for Democratic Action - Southern California
- Our Revolution
- Knock LA
- North Valley Dem Club of LA
- Vote for Peace
- Working Families Party
Candidate responses were drawn from Sukaton's campaign website, Instagram profile and BallotReady questionnaire submissions. Policy positions reflect the candidate's own statements.
