John Burton, long a presence in state and San Francisco politics, dies at 92

“John Burton was a towering progressive warrior and dear friend whose big heart, sharp mind and boundless fight for justice shaped California and America. Paul and I mourn his passing with love for his family,” Pelosi said.

Burton served in the U.S. House of Representatives for a decade starting in 1973. After returning to his law practice for several years, he became an influential state senator during his tenure from 1996-2004, during which he served as president pro tempore for six years. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56, according to his congressional biography.

“The Golden State has lost one of its fiercest and most influential leaders,” Padilla said in a statement. “John Burton devoted his career to advancing justice, expanding opportunity, and standing up for working families.”

“From his decades of service and leadership in the State Legislature, and as Chair of the California Democratic Party, Burton shaped California’s progressive legacy for generations. He led the fight to expand access to health care, strengthened protections for workers, increased funding for education, and helped establish our state as a national example for civil rights and environmental protection, while fiercely advocating for these core California values on the federal stage in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Padilla said.

Burton was known as a powerful figure in San Francisco and Democratic politics, along with his brother, former congressman Phillip Burton, and as an advocate for labor rights and progressive causes.

Notable state legislation John Burton authored and helped pass included a law against housing discrimination and reforms to the state employee pension system. In Congress, he authored the bill that created the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

Burton served as the chair of the California Democratic Party from 1973-74 and again from 2009-2017.

He was born in Cincinatti but graduated from Lincoln High School in San Francisco in 1950 and went on to study at San Francisco State College and University of San Francisco Law School.

A portion of state Highway 35 on Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco was renamed the John Burton Highway in 2015. The California Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento also bears his name, as does a hearing room in the Capitol.

“When it comes to California politics, there was no one like John Burton,” Newsom said on X. “A legendary powerhouse that breathed life into our party and fought for a better California for everyone -- uniting Democrats across race, belief, and background. His candor, passion, and empathy were contagious. May his legacy of courage and conviction live on in each of us. Rest in peace, my friend.”

State Sen. Scott Wiener also praised Burton in a statement and said his legacy can continue to inspire.

“John Burton was a giant of San Francisco & California politics. He moved mountains for our community & stood up for progressive values even when it wasn’t popular. His passing is a huge loss. As authoritarianism rises, John’s memory gives us resolve to fight,” Wiener said. “Rest in power.”