George Runner was elected in November 2010 and re-elected in 2014, he represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization.

Runner is a leading advocate for California taxpayers and serves as the Board’s Vice Chair.

During his time on the Board, Runner has worked to improve California’s tax policies and practices and to create and retain more private sector jobs in the state.

Prior to his election to the Board, Runner served twelve years in the State Legislature. As a thoughtful conservative, his legislative priorities included improving the economy, business growth, education excellence, and public safety for all Californians. As a member of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, Runner consistently led the fight against tax increases and supported tax relief for families and businesses.

Mr. Runner and his late wife, Senator Sharon Runner, authored Jessica’s Law, which was passed by more than 70 percent of California voters in November 2006. It created some of the toughest and most comprehensive sex offender management and control laws in the nation.

He also authored the well-known California Amber Alert, which has resulted in more than 200 successful reunions of children with their parents, as well as California’s Blue Alert, which uses Amber Alert technology when a peace officer has been killed, seriously wounded or assaulted with a deadly weapon and the suspect has fled the scene.

Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Runner served on the Lancaster City Council, including two years as mayor. In 1976 the Runners founded Desert Christian Schools, which is now one of the largest private schools in California.

George and Sharon Runner were the first husband and wife in California history to serve concurrently in the Legislature. Their children include son Micah, daughter-in-law Sandy, daughter Rebekah, son-in-law James, and six grandchildren.