San Mateo trustee Pimentel seeks Board of Equalization seat

John Pimentel, a Democrat and San Mateo County community college trustee, is running for the California State Board of Equalization District 2 seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

He faces incumbent Sally J. Lieber, also a Democrat, according to the California Secretary of State’s voter guide. San Mateo voters will help choose their representative on the state’s property tax oversight board.

The San Mateo Record candidate questionnaire was sent to John Pimentel’s campaign. No response was received as of Oct. 28, 2026. The policy positions below are drawn from his public campaign website and public records.

Candidate information

Party: Democratic.
Office sought: California State Board of Equalization, District 2.
Current role: San Mateo County Community College District trustee, Area 5.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of California, Berkeley; MBA, Harvard University.

His current trustee position is listed on his BallotReady profile.

In his responses to GrowSF’s candidate questionnaire, Pimentel describes attending San Joaquin Delta College before transferring to UC Berkeley and later earning his MBA. His campaign says he is part of the first generation in his family to attend college.

Experience and public service

Pimentel’s public-service experience includes serving as California’s deputy secretary for transportation and as a housing commissioner in Menlo Park, according to his campaign website.

As a community college trustee, he says he helped advance the district’s Free College program.

The San Mateo County Community College District says the program was established under Senate Bill 893 in 2022. Legislation signed in June 2026 removed its scheduled 2028 expiration date.

His private-sector background includes consulting at Bain & Company and work developing renewable energy and water projects, according to his BallotReady profile and campaign materials.

On the issues

The following positions come from Pimentel’s campaign website and his GrowSF questionnaire responses.

Government oversight: Pimentel proposes stronger transparency requirements and more consistent property tax administration. His proposals include public calendars, clearer conflict-of-interest rules, improved information systems for county assessors and faster assessment appeals and refunds.

He argues that the board needs stronger safeguards against favoritism and improper tax treatment.

Tax fairness: Pimentel supports targeted changes to tax provisions he says unfairly benefit wealthy taxpayers and large corporations. He describes using the board’s public platform to advocate for legislative changes.

Sales tax on food: Pimentel proposes working with the Legislature and governor to eliminate sales taxes on restaurant, prepared and delivered food.

Most food products for human consumption are already exempt from California sales tax, although exceptions apply, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

His proposal would expand that exemption. It would require changes beyond the authority of an individual Board of Equalization member.