Samuel P. Sukaton, a Democrat, is running for the California State Board of Equalization District 3 seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. District 3 covers Los Angeles County.
Sukaton faces one other candidate in the race: Mike Anthony Gipson, also a Democrat. 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 degree in history, UCLA (2011)
- Current role: Lead organizer, AFT Local 1521, the LA Community College Faculty Guild, according to his campaign website
- Residence: Los Angeles County (District 3)
Sukaton describes himself on his Instagram account as a "higher ed trade unionist" and "democratic socialist."
Experience and public service
Sukaton has worked in political organizing, environmental advocacy and labor, according to BallotReady profile data:
- California area director, 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)
His campaign website also says he has advocated before the California Public Utilities Commission, Energy Commission, Air Resources Board and Natural Resources Agency.
On the issues
The following positions are Sukaton's own statements, provided through his campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire responses.
Property tax oversight: Sukaton said he would maintain rigorous audits and compliance checks of county assessors to ensure local performance meets statewide standards. He said he would strengthen oversight so property valuations and exemptions are applied consistently.
Tax transparency: Sukaton said he wants to expand awareness of online tools and data portals so taxpayers can track assessments, appeals and exemptions. He said he would promote a transparent appeals process so taxpayers feel confident the system works for them, not against them.
Proposition 13 reform: Sukaton said he supports addressing what he calls Proposition 13 loopholes, which he said inadvertently starve communities and the state of funding for public services. He supports split-roll taxation as a way to raise new revenue.
Small business and homeowner equity: Sukaton said he would fight for small businesses and homeowners to be treated equitably, with no hidden fees or unfair advantages. He said he would advocate for tax policy that supports local job growth without stifling enterprise.
Social services: Sukaton said 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 on 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
Both candidates are Democrats. No Republican or third-party candidate is listed in BallotReady data for this race.
Candidate information was gathered from BallotReady, the candidate's campaign website and questionnaire responses. The Platinum Tribune did not interview the candidate for this profile.
