As a young man John Seymour had a goal of achieving the "California
Dream." After having served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years, he attended UCLA
and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Real Estate and Finance.
John started his 20 year career in real estate as a real estate loan
officer with California Bank. In 1964, the entrepreneurial spirit motivated John to
partner with his father and open the first office of what would later grow into a
multi-faceted, real estate brokerage, property management, development, escrow and
mortgage business, employing over 125 people.
While growing his business, John became active in his profession and his
community of Anaheim. He served as President of the Anaheim Association of Realtors in
1969 and President of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce in 1971. In 1972 John helped
establish Orange Coast Title Company and served on its original Board of Directors. After
being appointed to the City of Anaheim’s Planning Commission, John realized what a
major impact government has on our lives and with the business community’s support,
he decided to run for public office.
John was elected to the Anaheim City Council in 1974and elected as Mayor
of that city in 1978. As Mayor, he earned a reputation as being tough on crime, a
responsible fiscal manager and a pro-business, pro-jobs leader. In 1980, John was
re-elected as mayor and also was elected President of the California Association of
Realtors. As President of CAR, he led the fight for affordable housing and private
property rights.
In 1982, John sold his businesses in order to devote himself full time to
public service, and winning over 70% of the popular vote, was elected to the California
State Senate. As a State Senator from 1982-1991, he continued his fight against crime,
drugs, government waste and the over regulation of business. he was a champion of private
property rights and homeownership.
On January 9, 1991, John Seymour was sworn in as a United States Senator
replacing California’s newly elected Governor, Pete Wilson. As a U.S. Senator, John
Championed all measures which favorably impacted business and economic development. He
successfully prevented critical military installations from closure and brought first-time
homebuyer legislation back into the economic stimulus negotiations. His amendments to
toughen the Federal Crime Bill were adopted.
Having lost his U.S. Senate election bid to Diane Feinstein in 1992, John
served for two years as Director of the California Housing Finance Agency. While there,
John redesigned CHFA’s loan products and delivery systems, making it easier for first
time homebuyers to realize the dream of howeownership. As a result, CHFA funded over $1
Billion in loans in 1994, the largest loan volume in CHFA’s 18 year history.
Having returned to private life on January 1, 1995, John now lends his
many talents to Orange Coast Title Company as a consultant and member of our Board of
Directors.
John and his wife, Judy, have six children and five grandchildren.
