The John Burton Papers consist of 17.5 cubic feet of textual records and audio/visual materials. The records are organized into the following record series: Bill Files, 1987-2004; Hearing Files, 1992; Asset Forfeiture Files, 1987-1996; and Press and Media Files, 1997-2004. The papers do not cover the years 1965-1974 when Burton was in the Assembly.

John Lowell Burton, Democrat, served in the California Legislature and United State House of Representatives from 1965 through 2004. He was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1965 and served through 1974. In 1974, Assembly Member Burton was elected to the Ninety-third United States Congress by a special election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative William S. Mailliard. While in Congress, Burton served alongside his brother Phillip Burton, also a prominent member of Congress who was known for his advocacy of AIDS research. Burton was re-elected to the four succeeding Congresses, until leaving Congress in 1983. After a five year break from elected office, during which time he sought treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, Burton returned to the California State Assembly in 1988 and served until 1996. In 1996, he was elected to the California State Senate, where he served until 2004; from 1998 through 2004 he served as Senate Pro Tempore. His 3rd District included the cities of Belvedere, Corte Madera, Cotati, Fairfax, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon, and Santa Rosa within the San Francisco, Sonoma, and Marin counties.In addition to his role as chair of the California Democratic Party, as a member of the Legislature he was a delegate for the Democratic National Convention in 1968, 1972, 1976 and 1980.

17.5 cubic feet

For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives collections.

While the majority of the records are open for research, any access restrictions are noted in the record series descriptions.