Term limits prevent state Sen. Tom Umberg from running for a spot in the California Legislature again — so he’s set his sights on an open State Board of Equalization seat in 2026.
The BOE is responsible for overseeing California’s property tax system, and Umberg, a Santa Ana Democrat, is vying for the District 4 seat, which covers Orange, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
“The BOE plays a quiet but critical role in protecting homeowners, making sure local communities aren’t shortchanged and holding powerful interests accountable,” said Umberg.
A retired U.S. Army colonel and former federal criminal prosecutor, Umberg has served multiple terms in the state Assembly and Senate. In the upper chamber, he chairs the Judiciary Committee.
Umberg said he’s proud of his work on homelessness issues in the legislature, particularly when it comes to the CARE Court program that is meant to propel people with severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, into treatment programs that include medication and housing.
He is also satisfied with the work he’s done on price-gouging legislation during the COVID pandemic and wildfires.
When it came to figuring out his next steps after the legislature, Umberg said his background in business and prosecuting federal IRS cases led him to vie for the BOE seat. He wants to make sure taxation is fair and responsible, he said, in California.
“One of the challenges on the BOE is to make sure folks are fairly taxed,” Umberg said, adding that he wants to ensure “taxpayers get their fair share of revenue — state and federal.”
“I think people understand in order for the government to do its job, it needs to be fairly funded,” said Umberg.
Umberg pointed to the strained relationship between California and the Trump administration, saying the state has been “unfairly targeted” by the administration. And, he noted, California is still waiting for federal disaster relief from the wildfires earlier this year. He said his experience at both the state and federal levels would help taxpayers.
“I’m running to bring disciplined oversight, fairness and an unwavering commitment to the public good on behalf of the people of Southern California,” he said in announcing his candidacy.
Umberg enters the race with backing from U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and BOE Member Sally Lieber, who represents District 2 on the board. He is also endorsed by a handful of Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana; Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano; Dave Min, D-Irvine; and Derek Tran, D-Orange, his campaign said.
Aside from the state’s property tax system, the BOE also oversees the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Tax on Insurers. Five members serve on the board, including the state controller; the other four are elected to four-year terms and represent districts. California’s BOE is the only elected tax commission in the U.S., it says on its website.
District 4 is represented now by Mike Schaefer, an attorney and San Diego resident. Schaefer is prevented from running again and has backed San Diego Unified School District Board President Cody Petterson, who worked as his chief of staff and is also contending for the seat.
Orange Mayor pro tem Denis Bilodeau, who ran for the board four years ago, is contending for the seat, City News Service reported.