John Burton (American politician)

John Burton
Chair of the California Democratic Party
In office April 13, 2009 – May 20, 2017
Preceded by	Art Torres
Succeeded by	Eric C. Bauman
Member of the California State Senate from the 3rd district
In office December 2, 1996 – December 6, 2004
Preceded by	Milton Marks
Succeeded by	Carole Migden
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California
In office June 4, 1974 – January 3, 1983
Preceded by	William S. Mailliard
Succeeded by	Phillip Burton
Constituency	6th district (1974–1975) 5th district (1975–1983)
Member of the California State Assembly
In office April 14, 1988 – December 2, 1996
Preceded by	Art Agnos
Succeeded by	Kevin Shelley
Constituency	16th district (1988–1992) 12th district (1992–1996)
Chair of the California Democratic Party
In office 1973–1974
Preceded by	Charles Manatt
Succeeded by	Bert Coffey
Member of the California State Assembly from the 20th district
In office January 4, 1965 – June 4, 1974
Preceded by	Phillip Burton
Succeeded by	Dixon Arnett
Personal details
Born	John Lowell Burton (1932-12-15) December 15, 1932 (age 91) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Children	Kimiko Burton (daughter)
Relatives	Phillip Burton (brother) Sala Burton (sister-in-law)
Education	San Francisco State College (BA) University of San Francisco (JD)

John Lowell Burton (born December 15, 1932) is an American politician who served in both the California State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party and represented California's 5th and 6th congressional districts.

Burton served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 to 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 1982, Burton was elected to the California State Assembly, where he served until 1996. During his time in the state legislature, he championed progressive causes such as expanding access to healthcare, protecting the environment, and advancing civil rights.

After leaving the state legislature, Burton continued his involvement in politics and advocacy, serving as the chairman of the California Democratic Party from 2009 to 2017. He also established the John Burton Foundation for Children Without Homes, which works to improve the lives of foster children in California. Throughout his career, Burton has been recognized for his contributions to public service and advocacy, receiving numerous awards and honors, including the Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.