John Erickson is seeking to succeed state Sen. Ben Allen in the 24th District, which includes West Hollywood and Hollywood. (photo courtesy of John Erickson for State Senate 2026)

Former vice president of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and West Hollywood City Councilman John Erickson officially launched his campaign on June 5 to replace termed-out State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) in California State Senate District 24.

“After Nov. 5, I felt a tremendous responsibility to step up and utilize my years of experience in local government and the nonprofit world to protect our democracy and give back to Californians the rights, protections and programs that the Trump administration is taking away,” Erickson said. “From Hidden Hills and Calabasas, over the hill to Malibu and all the way down to the South Bay, I want to make the 24th Senate District a place where families want to live – not want to flee.”

Erickson enters the race with a coalition of early supporters. The 24th Senate District faces challenges such as wildfire recovery, coastal erosion and a diverse set of issues that impact daily lives.

“As a local elected official, former VP of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and lifetime advocate for equity and equality for all, John Erickson will bring a unique skill set to the State Senate at a time when our communities are under attack. His expertise and track record on economic development, housing, homelessness, sustainability and resiliency in the face of natural disasters are critically needed in Sacramento more than ever. I know he will be a responsive partner to L.A. County, and I can’t wait to see what he can accomplish for all of California,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, 3rd District, said.

“John Erickson is precisely the kind of tried-and-true leader we need in Sacramento to counter the federal government denying us critical funding. As Mayor, despite the backlash from COVID, he generated a $30 million surplus for his city while investing more in public safety, housing and social services. John has demonstrated he is the kind of leader who can protect families, small businesses and improve the overall health of the state’s economy,” State Treasurer Fiona Ma said.

Erickson currently serves as vice president of the California Contract Cities Association and serves on the Board of the National League of Cities, Clean Power Alliance, Santa Monica Bay Watershed Council, National Board of the National Organization for Women and the Women’s March Foundation.

A native of Ripon, Wisconsin, Erickson currently works as chief of staff at the Alliance for a Better Community. He received a Ph.D. in American Religious History and a dual-master’s degree from Claremont Graduate University.

For information, visit johnerickson4senate.com.