John Erickson

John Erickson earned a high school diploma from Ripon High School and an M.D. and Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University in 2011. Erickson's career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

John Erickson is a community organizer, nonprofit executive, and West Hollywood City Councilmember dedicated to fighting for working families, civil rights, public safety, and healthcare access. Currently serving as Chief of Staff at Alliance for a Better Community and formerly Vice President of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, John has built a reputation as a bold and effective Democratic leader who delivers results.

John’s passion for advocacy began in Ripon, Wisconsin, where he volunteered at food banks with his grandmother and traveled to the state capitol advocating for veterans and women’s rights. That commitment led him into public service, first as a city council intern and later as a policy staffer advancing LGBTQ+ equality, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement.

Elected to the West Hollywood City Council in 2020, John has championed renters’ rights, homelessness solutions, healthcare access, and public safety. He helped create WeHo Cares, expand anti-gun violence initiatives, support small businesses during COVID-19, and strengthen protections against sexual assault and drink spiking.

At Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, John helped California become a sanctuary state for reproductive freedom after the Dobbs decision. Through his work with Alliance for a Better Community, he now helps protect immigrant communities and advance Latino advocacy across Los Angeles County.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Proven Progressive Leadership That Delivers Results:

John Erickson has a record of turning progressive values into real policy victories — from protecting reproductive freedom and expanding healthcare access to advancing public safety initiatives, homelessness solutions, and renters’ protections. He emphasizes practical leadership that improves people’s daily lives.Standing Up for Vulnerable Communities: John’s campaign centers on defending the rights of immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ people, working families, and marginalized communities. Through his work with Planned Parenthood, the Alliance for a Better Community, and civil rights organizations, he positions himself as a leader who fights back against extremism and protects California values.Building Safer, More Affordable, and More Livable Communities: The campaign focuses on addressing the cost of living, housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, and sustainability while preserving neighborhood quality of life. John presents himself as someone who understands local government and can deliver solutions that make communities safer, healthier, and more affordable.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

John Erickson is focused on reproductive freedom and expanding access to healthcare, including protecting abortion rights and strengthening California’s role as a sanctuary for reproductive care. He is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, women’s rights, and protections against gender-based violence. His work also centers on housing affordability, homelessness solutions, renters’ rights, and aging-in-place policies for seniors. On public safety, he supports efforts to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes such as sexual assault and drink spiking. John is also committed to immigrant rights, environmental sustainability, and supporting small businesses and working families.