The world of California politics has lost one of its most influential and colorful figures. John Burton, a fiercely liberal force who helped shape the state’s policies and political landscape for over half a century, has passed away at the age of 92.
Burton’s career was a testament to resilience and conviction. He wasn’t just a politician; he was an architect of modern California, a mentor to giants like Nancy Pelosi, and a champion for those who had no voice.
A Fighter for the Underdog
At the core of Burton’s political philosophy was a simple, powerful belief: government’s job is to help people who can’t help themselves. This principle guided his work on a vast range of issues, from welfare reform and foster care to environmental protection and gun control.
His daughter, Kimiko Burton, perfectly captured his spirit, saying, “He always instilled in me that we fight for the underdog. There are literally millions of people whose lives he helped over the years who have no idea who he is.”
Current California Governor Gavin Newsom praised him as a “champion for the poor, the bullied, the disabled, and forgotten Californians,” noting that Burton’s passion and determination were “simply unmatched.”
A Complex and Colorful Character
To know of John Burton was to know of his legendary personality. He was the antithesis of a slick, polished politician. Often rumpled and rarely wearing a tie, he was more likely to be seen in a guayabera shirt than a suit. He was famously profane, quick-tempered, and blunt—a style he famously summarized with an aide’s T-shirt that read: “I yell because I care.”
But this brash exterior hid a deep well of compassion. He was known to personally deliver blankets to homeless people on the streets of San Francisco. His loyalty to his staff was profound; he once insisted a new mother on his team take a fully paid year off after she gave birth to twins prematurely. She remained with him for the rest of his career.
A Journey of Resilience
Burton’s path wasn’t without struggle. After serving in the Assembly and the U.S. Congress, his career was derailed in the 1980s by a public and difficult battle with cocaine addiction. He did not seek re-election in 1982 and entered rehab.
His comeback, however, was remarkable. He got clean, returned to politics, and eventually rose to become the most powerful legislator in Sacramento as the President pro Tempore of the state Senate. His personal struggle informed his politics in profound ways. In a powerful 1996 floor speech, he drew on his own experience to successfully argue against a bill that would criminalize pregnant women struggling with addiction, moving even his political opponents with his raw honesty.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Burton’s impact is woven into the fabric of California. He was instrumental in passing landmark legislation, from pioneering vehicle emissions standards (a behind-the-scenes effort that gave him no public credit) to banning the force-feeding of birds for foie gras—a cause he championed with characteristic fervor.
After retiring from elected office, he continued his advocacy by founding a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster youth, successfully extending state services for them until age 21.
Politically, he helped build the Democratic Party into the dominant force it is today. As state party chair, he oversaw a massive fundraising advantage and helped pass a measure that allowed the budget to be passed by a simple majority, fundamentally changing the dynamics of power in Sacramento.
John Burton was a paradox: a gruff man with a tender heart, a partisan warrior with deep friendships across the aisle, and a recovering addict who used his past to forge a more compassionate future. He was, in every sense, one of a kind, and his mark on California will be felt for generations to come.
