As an elected official, Mike Gipson helped construct and strongly supported legislation on criminal justice reform, labor, affordable housing, and healthcare.  

On February 7, 2015, Gipson was sworn in at California State University Dominguez Hills as the Assemblymember for California’s 64th District. In this capacity, he represents the communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington.  

 

Throughout his tenure, he has devoted thousands of hours developing initiatives for the betterment of the greater Los Angeles area.

 

 

His peers also trust him in leadership positions.

 

In February 2018, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) appointed Assemblymember Gipson (AD-64) as the Secretary/Treasurer.  

 

As Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair, Gipson influenced the "majority caucus' legislative decision-making process." 

 

He didn't shy away from addressing national issues. Gipson held weekly strategy sessions to consistently realign caucus' priorities. He has carried this torch since 2016 and again in 2017, 2018, and 2020. 

 

Recently, local residents, community organizations, and other public servants focused their energy on the continual rise in the epidemic of ghost guns that are plaguing Black and Brown communities in Los Angeles, California. 

 

In light of this heightened concern, Gipson hosted the AB 1621 Ghost Gun Press Conference, at the Los Angeles Sentinel headquarters on April 15, 2022.  

 

 

 

 

Also, during a press conference hosted by District Attorney George Gascon and Los Angeles elected officials in January 2022, he announced a $50,000 crime tip award authorized by Governor Gavin Newsom for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of perpetrators responsible for the murder of 16-year-old TioniTheus. 

 

 

 

Gipson actively supports the eradication of homelessness and functions as the lead assembly member on gun violence prevention.

 

In addition to his efforts to regulate 'ghost guns,' he has also initiated measures to standardize the criminal justice system. 

 

Gipson has championed critical budget priorities as well.

 

 

This included the first state income tax credit for working families, amending the highest family grant, and as a result, lifted 135,000 children out of poverty.

 

Also, he managed to pass a comprehensive transportation proposal. 

 

Other legislation that Gipson championed included AB 1608, which he introduced to boost transparency in police departments. 


The measure would also differentiate Coroner's offices from Sheriff's departments.   

A resident of Carson, Gipson has three sons and two grandchildren.

D'Ance, his third son, died at the age of three as a result of a hit-and-run driver. 

Born and raised in the Watts, Gipson has an undeniable devotion for public service.

His life has been guided by a desire to make a real change in the lives of those he encountered in his community and beyond. 

Category: Cover Stories