Representative John Lowell Burton

John Lowell Burton served as a Representative from California in the United States Congress from 1973 to 1983. A member of the Democratic Party, John Lowell Burton contributed to the legislative process during 5 terms in office.

John Lowell Burton’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, John Lowell Burton participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

John Lowell Burton (December 15, 1932 – September 7, 2025) was an American politician who served as chair of the California Democratic Party. He had also served in both houses of the California State Legislature and the United States House of Representatives, representing San Francisco-based districts. Born in Cincinnati, Burton was raised in San Francisco, where he went to college and worked as an attorney and lobbyist. He served in the California State Assembly from 1965 to 1974 and as chair of the California Democratic Party from 1973 to 1974. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974 and served until 1983, during which time he was a strong advocate for civil rights, environmental protection, and healthcare reform. He co-authored the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, which imposed economic sanctions on South Africa in protest of its system of racial segregation known as apartheid. In 1988, Burton was elected to the California State Assembly again. He served until he was term-limited in 1996 and was elected to the California State Senate, serving until being term-limited again in 2004. During his time in the Legislature, he championed progressive causes such as expanding access to healthcare, protecting the environment, and advancing civil rights. He served as the 47th president pro tempore of the California State Senate from 1998 to 2004. After leaving the Legislature, Burton continued his involvement in politics and advocacy. He served a second stint as chair of the California Democratic Party from 2009 to 2017. In 2020, Mayor London Breed appointed Burton to the San Francisco Port Commission, which he helped create as a state assemblymember in 1968. He served on the Port Commission until his retirement in 2023. Burton was also known for his charity work. In 2005, he established the John Burton Foundation for Children Without Homes, which works to improve the lives of foster children in California. Throughout his career, Burton had been recognized for his contributions to public service and advocacy, receiving numerous awards and honors.