Samuel Sukaton, a Democrat and labor organizer, is running for California State Board of Equalization District 3 in the Nov. 3 general election.
The board oversees property tax assessments and taxpayer appeals, according to Sukaton's campaign. District 3 covers Los Angeles County, according to his campaign page. Sukaton faces fellow Democrat Mike Anthony Gipson.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: California State Board of Equalization, District 3
- 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
Sukaton describes himself as a "higher ed trade unionist" and "democratic socialist" on his Instagram page. On his campaign website, Sukaton said he grew up in the Inland Empire as the son of working-class parents. He said he saw neighbors work hard, pay their taxes and still struggle to get ahead.
Experience and public service
Sukaton's professional background includes political organizing, environmental advocacy and labor work, according to his BallotReady profile:
- 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 lists advocacy work before state agencies including the California Public Utilities Commission, Energy Commission, Air Resources Board and Natural Resources Agency.
On the issues
Sukaton's policy positions below are drawn from his campaign website and his BallotReady questionnaire responses.
Property tax reform: Sukaton said he supports addressing Proposition 13 loopholes, which he said "inadvertently starve communities and the state of funding for public services, making every public worker's contract, every student's term, and every teacher's new year a struggle." He supports split-roll taxation as a way to raise new revenue.
Assessor oversight: Sukaton said he would maintain rigorous audits and compliance checks of county assessors to ensure local performance meets statewide standards. He also said he would strengthen oversight of county assessors so property valuations and exemptions are applied consistently.
Taxpayer 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 and advocate for tax policy that supports local job growth.
Small business and homeowner equity: Sukaton said 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.
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, credited to the endorsing organizations:
- 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 and his BallotReady questionnaire. The Pasadena Ledger did not interview the candidate for this profile.
