Mike Gipson Endorses Dr. Ayanna Davis in California Assembly District 65 Race
Compton, CA–Dr. Ayanna Davis is a lifelong educator and community leader who is running for the California State Assembly in District 65. She brings decades of hands-on experience in public education and community advocacy to her bid for state office.
District 65 includes parts of South Bay and Southeast Los Angeles County, covering communities such as Compton, Carson, Willowbrook, and Watts — areas long served by outgoing Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson. Gipson, who is terming out, has endorsed Davis as his preferred successor, highlighting her deep community roots and record of service.
Read More: Compton Chamber Endorses Dr. Ayanna Davis for State Assembly District 65
Born and raised in Compton, Davis still lives in the very home her mother purchased in 1978, a testament to her enduring ties to the community. Dr. Davis shared that public service has always been part of her identity — shaped by early examples of civic engagement and activism within her family.
“My principal at the time, Dr. Williams, she noticed that I was demonstrating some exemplary leadership skills and nudged me on the shoulder to pursue administration,” Davis recalled of the moment that sparked her transition out of the classroom and into school leadership.
Davis’s career in public education spans over two decades, beginning as a teacher and later evolving into administration as she assumed leadership roles in multiple school communities. A pivotal point in her path came in 1998 when Davis reccieved her first assignment as a site administrator at Miles Avenue Early Ed Center in Huntington Park.
At Miles Avenue, Davis not only managed school operations but built connections with diverse families and staff — often drawing on her Spanish skills, developed through five years of study.
“We had Chinese teachers, we had Black teachers, Latina teachers and we all worked together to serve the community. A very humble community, very generous. They were appreciative of the services, they wanted to know what was best for their children. They wanted to be involved in their learning and care. So it was one of the most rewarding experiences that I had.”
Her journey continued as she moved to the San Fernando Valley, where she served as a principal in a diverse community with families from countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“Everybody wants the same things. They want a safe environment for their students. They want their children to learn good school readiness skills so they’ll be successful in kindergarten.”
Assemblymember Mike Gipson tapped Davis to succeed him, seeing her service on the school board, in Democratic party caucuses, and in the community as strong preparation for statewide office. Davis’s campaign platform touches on issues including public safety, criminal reform, healthcare access, and education funding. She stresses the importance of protecting funding for vital services, especially major medical institutions serving her district.
She has a broad coalition of support that includes labor unions, elected officials, and community organizations. Endorsements range from the Compton Chamber of Commerce and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, to prominent Democratic leaders including former State Senate Majority Leader Isadore Hall.
“Assemblymember Gipson asked for me to run as his successor. He saw my work as his delegate along with the reputation that I have. I’m born and raised in the community and he believes that I will be a great transition as the first Black woman in the seat.”
Read More: https://www.ayannadavis.com/
