California State Assembly Democratic Caucus

09/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/07/2025 14:50

Speaker Rivas’ Statement on the Passing of John Burton

For immediate release:
Sunday, September 7, 2025

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) issued the following statement on the passing of John Burton:

"John Burton was a giant of a man whose unapologetic promotion of Democratic values shaped generations of politics and activism. His legacy is evident everywhere. He leveraged California's size and influence to do the most good across decades, from divestment in South Africa to supporting farmworkers to enshrining abortion rights in our Constitution. As foster parents, Christen and I are especially grateful for John's work to enfranchise this very vulnerable group of kids. California is simply a better and more just place because of John's relentlessness, outspokenness and never-surrender approach. It is not lost on anyone that, in this second Trump term, California needs John more than ever. I am proud to have known him, and on behalf of my family and the entire Assembly Democratic Caucus, we send love and support to John's family and friends."

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For more information, follow Speaker Robert Rivas at the following social media channels:

Instagram: @caspeakerrivas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CASpeakerRivas/

California State Assembly Democratic Caucus published this content on September 07, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 07, 2025 at 20:50 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]