WEST HOLLYWOOD—John Erickson announced on Wednesday, May 20, that he is running as a candidate for the West Hollywood City Council.

Erickson, 33, has served as the Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood since 2018 and Planning Commissioner for the West Hollywood. He has a background in Women, Gender and Sexuality studies with a PhD in philosophy from Claremont Graduate University.

The Wisconsin native has been a resident in West Hollywood for 10 years and stayed politically active through internships and job opportunities with the city council. Erickson helped city council with coordinating and planning events for the offices, advisory boards, and related departments as a community events technician from 2015-2017.

Erickson’s platform is built on six key elements: protecting renters’ rights, city services, establishing a more sustainable city, safer neighborhoods, keeping WeHo progressive, and supporting the unhoused.

He  took to Twitter to help spread the word about his campaign:

“The demographics of West Hollywood has changed, the world has changed, and I’m ready to address these challenges head-on,” said Erickson in one tweet.

In another he addressed his platform directly stating:

“My voice and focus has been committed to advocating for a #WeHo that works for workers, protects renters, and advocates for those underserved.”

There will be an official campaign launch through a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 P.M. with Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath and Abbe Land, Former Mayor and city councilmember of West Hollywood who are endorsing Erickson.

Erickson served as Land’s Council Deputy during her tenure. The election for West Hollywood will take place on November 3.