Jed Leano is an immigration attorney, councilmember and former Mayor of Claremont. 

A first generation American and son of Filipino immigrants, Jed was born and raised in Anaheim, CA. His father served on a US naval ship during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and ultimately became an electrical engineer, and his mother worked as a hospital nurse.  Jed understands the challenges immigrant and working families face first hand. That’s why after working his way through law school, Jed dedicated his life to fighting for refugees, working families, and immigrants just like his parents.

In 2008, Jed started his own law practice in Pasadena as an immigration attorney, where he has successfully tried and won deportation cases on behalf of refugees seeking protection from torture and persecution in their home countries. In 2009, Jed served as President of the Pasadena Jaycees, a young professionals service organization. From 2011-2012, Jed served on the Tournament of Roses on the post parade committee.

Jed and his wife, Liz, wanted to purchase a home in Pasadena, but like so many other young families, the opportunity of homeownership seemed out of reach. They moved east and relocated to Claremont, started a family, and began their own California dream.

In 2018, Jed was elected to the Claremont City Council.  As California’s housing affordability and homelessness reached a crisis point, Jed became a leading voice on the City Council and worked to deliver results. In his first months in office, Jed secured nearly $2 million to create a housing navigator program, dedicated shelter beds, housing for transitional age youth, motel vouchers for families, a shower program, and a homelessness prevention program for vulnerable residents – then the largest investment made to a city in the San Gabriel Valley.  Under Jed’s leadership, Claremont saw a 41% reduction in homelessness within his first two years on the council.

Jed also spearheaded the creation of Claremont’s first affordable housing development for extremely low income residents and helped establish the Psychiatric Assessment Care Team (PACT), a team of mental health first responders. 

Jed also understands that a strong and fair economy is the key to building vibrant communities.  As a small business owner himself, Jed worked tirelessly during the pandemic to create relief and assistance for businesses navigating new challenges while trying to stay afloat and keep their doors open.

Jed has served in leadership positions including Chair of the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust, Chair of Tri-City Mental Health (the public mental health agency serving Claremont, Pomona, and La Verne),  the San Gabriel Valley representative to the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA), and Board Member of the Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley. 

In recognition of his leadership, Jed earned the LA County Democrat of the Year Award for the 41st Assembly District, The 27th Congressional District “Building Bridges” Leadership Award, and the Joseph M. Lyons Memorial Award for leadership on homelessness and housing advocacy.

In 2022, Jed Leano was overwhelmingly re-elected to a second term on the City Council. Jed continues to practice immigration law in Pasadena and has lived in the San Gabriel Valley for over 13 years. Jed lives in Claremont with his wife, Liz, and their 8 year old son, Welles.