Padilla Statement on the Passing of Longtime California Political Leader John Burton

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the passing of John Burton, a longtime member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Legislature, as well as the former Chair of the California Democratic Party:

"The Golden State has lost one of its fiercest and most influential leaders. 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.

"John was a mentor to countless progressive leaders across California, including me. I'll always be grateful for his counsel over our breakfasts at Delancey Street Restaurant in San Francisco, surrounded by residents working to rebuild their lives.

"John was bluntly honest and never shied away from a fight if it meant protecting the vulnerable and giving a voice to the voiceless - a mission he carried on even after his political career by providing a pathway to a better life for thousands of foster youth and securing billions of dollars to invest in their success.

"California is a better place because of John Burton. His impact on our politics and his dedication to progressive values will be felt for generations to come."

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