Paso Robles mayor will not run for re-election. ‘A great honor and privilege’
Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon will not seek re-election this November, marking the end of his tenure as an elected official.
Hamon made the announcement at a City Council meeting Tuesday night, saying his decision came after “careful thought and discussion” with his family.
Hamon, who has been involved in civic service in Paso for around 40 years, will depart the mayoral seat with the inauguration of a new mayor in January.
Hamon said he started his career with the city as a volunteer fire captain in the mid-1980s, followed by four years on the Planning Commission and 20 years on the City Council, including three years as mayor. Hamon was appointed to the role of mayor in 2023, after the unexpected death of longtime Mayor Steve Martin.
“Throughout that time, my focus has been helping Paso Robles grow in a thoughtful and responsible way while preserving the character that makes our community such a special, special place to live, work, and raise a family,” Hamon said. “I believe I have honored my oath of office that I have taken many times over the years by working ‘to leave our city in a better place than I had found it.’”
Hamon described working with his fellow councilmembers, city staff and community leaders as “a great honor and privilege,” and said the city has made progress to address public safety, street maintenance, housing, infrastructure, economic development and more for Paso Robles residents.
“I am tremendously proud of the work we have accomplished, and I am also deeply grateful for you, the trust you, the community have placed in me over the years,” he said.
He added that being a leader means knowing when it’s time to “pass the torch” to allow fresh faces and perspectives to move into city leadership.
“Paso Robles has a strong, strong future ahead, and I am confident the next generation of leaders will continue to build on the foundation that we’ve been working on and put down,” he said.
After he departs his post as mayor, Hamon said he looks forward to spending time with family, traveling without worrying about his meeting schedule, focusing on business and continuing to support Paso Robles.
“Paso Robles has given my family so much, and I will always remain deeply committed to the future success of Paso Robles,” he said. “One thing will never change: my belief in Paso Robles and the Roblans who make this community so special.”
Hamon’s speech concluded with a round of applause from the audience.
As of Tuesday, only one candidate — William Britton — had filed candidate paperwork to run for Hamon’s seat in November, according to the city’s elections website.
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