John Latimer

As managing partner and founder of Capitol Advocacy, John Latimer is recognized year after year as one of Sacramento’s most influential lobbyists. Known for his strength in strategic planning and coordinating lobbying campaigns, John’s ability to shape and deliver messaging in a clear and convincing manner gets results for clients on difficult issues. His skill in navigating California’s political landscape comes from his mastery of the intersection between policy, politics, and people. This talent has allowed John to build Capitol Advocacy into one of the largest lobbying firms in Sacramento.

John leads Capitol Advocacy’s team of ten lobbyists and two legislative analysts as they work on California’s most challenging issues, including health care and tort reform, consumer protection and business regulation, labor and environmental battles, and numerous others. With John at the helm, the firm’s approach to policy, politics, process, and partnerships maximize results for every client.

John began his career working for the California State Legislature, rising to Chief of Staff and Chief Consultant for various Democrats in both the Senate and Assembly. During the first decade of his career, John also helped guide multiple campaigns for the Assembly Democrats. In 1998, John decided to return home and run for a Northern California State Assembly seat, narrowly losing in the Democratic primary by just a few hundred votes. Although this signaled the closing of one chapter working within the State Legislature for John, it was a catalyst for his lobbying career and the creation of Capitol Advocacy.

Today, twenty years later, Capitol Advocacy has grown to become one of the largest lobbying firms in Sacramento. During that time, John has been a power player in some of California’s thorniest legislative fights including water policy, environmental issues, internet gaming, alcohol regulation, and soda tax and labeling issues. Consistently ranked as one of Capitol Weekly’s “Top 100”, a list of California’s political players, John has successfully navigated clients through term limits, budget deficits, and new administrations.

Over the years, John’s connections have stretched beyond California’s political landscape, spanning an extensive network across the United States. John’s connections to Fortune 500 company executives, elected officials, particularly in Congress, and government officials across the United States is an asset for all of the firm’s clients.

John received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. He lives in Sacramento with his wife Kelly and the two are proud parents to three daughters.