Portantino Endorses Lyon in District 7 Council Race

State Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Pasadena) has endorsed Jason Lyon for Pasadena City Council. Lyon, who is currently the Vice Chair of the Pasadena Planning Commission, is running to replace retiring Councilmember Andy Wilson in District 7.

“Jason Lyon has a proven history of service to the Pasadena community,” Portantino said. “He is deeply committed to being an accessible and thoughtful Councilmember.  He understands that successful leaders exercise good judgment and are responsive and collaborative. That’s why I am endorsing Jason for the Pasadena City Council. I believe he has the experience and skills to navigate difficult issues and will represent our friends and neighbors in CD 7.  I am looking forward to working with him.”

Lyon pulled papers last week in the District 7 race along with Allen Shay and Ciran Hadjian to qualify for the June 7 election. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote getters will square off in November.

“I am honored to have Senator Portantino’s support,” Lyon said.  “He has been a dedicated advocate for our communities in Sacramento. He understands the important role local government plays in creating a thriving, balanced city. I look forward to working with him to make the changes we need for Pasadena.”

Lyon has also been endorsed by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 12, Stonewall Democratic Club, former State Senator Jack Scott, County Assessor Jeff Prang, and Pasadena Community College Trustee Sandra Chen Lau, among others.

Lyon has served in leadership capacities for Young & Healthy, the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, Planned Parenthood Pasadena San Gabriel Valley, and All Saints Church.

In 2017, Mayor Terry Tornek appointed Lyon to Pasadena’s Historic Preservation Commission. Council Member Wilson tapped Lyon to join the Planning Commission in 2019. Lyon currently serves as Vice Chair of both the Planning Commission and the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

Lyon lives in the Madison Heights neighborhood with his husband, Tim Hartley, a real estate agent, and their two sons.

According to the city’s website, District 7 is home to many of Pasadena’s iconic institutions, including the Pasadena Playhouse, Caltech, Pasadena Community College, the Planetary Society, the Langham Huntington Hotel, the Constance Hotel, and the historic South Lake shopping district.