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Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon stepping down in December

April 8, 2026

Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon

By KAREN VELIE

Paso Robles’ controversial mayor announced at the end of Tuesday nights city council meeting that he will not seek reelection. John Hamon said he will leave the office in December.

I’ve decided I will not seek reelection,” Hamon said with a tremble in his voice. “I look forward to spending more time with my family.

“I am tremendously proud of the work we have accomplished, Hamon added.

In 2023, the Paso Robles City Council appointed Hamon mayor by a unanimous vote. Hamon replaced longtime mayor Steve Martin, who passed away in Aug. 2023.

In the two years that followed, Hamon was embroiled in controversy as he pushed for paid parking in the downtown and later for a settlement for former city manager Ty Lewis.

Allegations of conflicts of interest have dogged Hamon for more than a decade, primarily because he participated in government decisions that allegedly impacted his business interests and income. In 2024, state regulators found Hamon had violated conflict of interest laws regarding vacation rentals.

At this time, one person has filed to run for mayor, Bill Britton.

 


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That guy was a real piece of crap. Told me he was a conservative and on the issues pretty much the same as Michael Rivera. I think Michael would howl at that suggestion. Then he comes out supporting Ty Lewis’ conspiracy accusations which were only supported by science fiction accounts by a journalist who published his BS as opinion to avoid getting sued. Hamon wanted Roden on the council and we all see she lost by a landslide. Roden told me she would let the voters decide her fate and even after a crushing defeat she lingers like the taste of an over garlicky Pizza. We lost the RAF, ACIjet and millions of dollars of revenue. He spent a ton of money on legal fees. What a disaster.


0

Paso’s small town politics has been dysfunctional for years. Glad to see him go.The paid parking debacle was horrible for Paso. from Hot tubing police chiefs to quotas for traffic tickets, and current road issues all over town, Paso needs a fresh start and competent and honest leaders who value our small town and have not been bought by the wine industry.


19

Agree and it may be a good time while the wine business is suffering.


9

Does this mean Paso has a chance to get a real leader?


18

#VoteRepublican2026 at every level.


0

I hate to tell you Atown rebel all these clowns are Republicans, Hamon, Gregory, Rodent and Fred Wrong. I’m telling you though the democrats are looking to take over. Britton running for Mayor, Massey the phony candidate is there to split the vote if a democrat runs. Kris Beal so far has no opposition that I know of. They are using the same strategy used to take over the school district. Frankly dont count on anything to change. The vested interests have control and they wont go down without a fight.


3