Contact Mayor John M. Erickson
jerickson@weho.org
(323) 848-6460

Click here to download this bio in a PDF format.

Mayor John M. Erickson was elected to the West Hollywood City Council on November 3, 2020, with the commitment to uphold the city’s founding vision for a forward-thinking, diverse, and tolerant community.

Mayor Erickson first planted roots in West Hollywood in 2010 when he was selected to intern for the West Hollywood City Council. The internship set him on a path that connected his work for social and economic justice with his passion for public service. He went on to become Council Deputy to former Mayor Abbe Land and then served as a staff member at West Hollywood City Hall working to advance policies, initiate programs, and increase awareness around LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, the environment, and civic engagement.

After leaving West Hollywood City Hall, Mayor Erickson served as a Legislative Representative at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and is currently the Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications, and Marketing at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.

Mayor Erickson’s priorities on the City Council include creating more affordable housing and protecting renters’ rights; reducing traffic through alternative transportation strategies, fighting climate change and making our city more sustainable; and implementing policies that make the city truly free of prejudice and welcoming to all.

Mayor Erickson has earned a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and effective voice for those who need one. His advocacy work includes serving as a National Board member of the National Organization for Women and President of the ACLU of Southern California. In 2017, he became Governor Brown’s appointee to the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and served as an organizer for both the Resist March and the historic Women’s March Los Angeles. He serves on the Board of the Women’s March Los Angeles Foundation. Mayor Erickson was part of the End Statute of Limitation on Rape (ERSOL) Campaign, which overturned California’s statute of limitations on rape and sexual assault in 2016.

Mayor Erickson serves on the West Hollywood City Council Subcommittees for Finance and Budget, West Hollywood Pride, Plummer Park Project, and AIDS Monument, and is the appointed Liaison to Mayors for Guaranteed Income. He also represents the City of West Hollywood on the Clean Power Alliance, the National League of Cities, the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee, the Santa Monica Bay Watershed Council, and currently serves on the California Contract Cities Association Executive Board as the Legislative Chair.

Mayor Erickson received his Ph.D. in American Religious History from Claremont Graduate University and a Dual-Master’s Degree from Claremont Graduate University. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a B.A. in English and Women’s Studies.

You may contact West Hollywood City Council offices via email at council@weho.org or by phone at (323) 848-6460.

Winnie Erickson, the City of West Hollywood’s Honorary Pet Mayor 

Winnie is the beloved four-legged friend of the City of West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson and has pawsome responsibilities including taking part in events and initiatives centered on the well-being of pets in the community, attending appropriate meetings and events, which may include attending fundraisers in support of animal rescue organizations, wishing folks bone-appetite at dog-friendly establishments in West Hollywood, and other forms of community engagement. 

From her humble beginnings as a rescue dog to her current role as the Pet Mayor of the City of West Hollywood, Winnie’s story is a testament to the power of love, companionship, and the incredible bond between humans and animals. As the Pet Mayor, Winnie spreads happiness and positivity wherever she goes, proving that sometimes, the best leaders come with fur and four legs.

Winnie’s talents extend far beyond being an adorable sidekick; she’s also a fantastic dancer, bringing joy and laughter to those around her. Mayor Erickson and Winnie share a special bond, with Winnie serving as not only a faithful companion but also a source of inspiration and joy to others in the community. While Winnie may be nine years old, don’t let her age fool you — she’s got the energy and spirit of a puppy! Whether she’s attending Zoom meetings or keeping an eye on Mayor Erickson’s French fries, Winnie is always by his side, providing unwavering support and companionship.