In 1970, he was elected to the Daly City Council. He was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1972, where he served until 1986. Papan served as Speaker Pro Tempore from 1974 to 1976, and chaired the powerful Assembly Rules Committee from 1976 to 1986. Instead of seeking reelection to an eighth term in the Assembly in 1986, Papan ran for the 8thState Senate District seat but was defeated by independent candidate Quentin L. Kopp. After leaving office in 1986, Papan was succeeded by Jackie Speier and did not return to the Assembly until 1996 when Speier vacated the seat. Papan was re-elected in 1998 and 2000 with over 70% of the vote in his district. Papan was the Chair of the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee. In 2006, Papan again ran for the State Senate in the 8th District - but came in third place in the Democratic primary, losing to Leland Yee.
Family
Papan's wife of 42 years, Irene, died in 2000. They had two daughters Virginia and Diane. Virginia formerly worked as a Deputy Attorney General and now is the Deputy Director of the California Office of Criminal Justice Planning. Diane practices law in San Francisco. Papan was nicknamed "Leadfoot Lou" for his fast commutes between Sacramento and his Peninsula home, trips that brought him a good share of speeding tickets. Few people knew he raced home to be with his son John, who suffered from a rare congenital condition that eventually ended his life at age 21 in 1981. The family set up John's Closet—an organization that provides new clothes for needy children. Papan was well known as an advocate for disabled children.
Memorial tributes
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "Lou Papan was a dedicated public servant who devoted himself to improving the lives of all Californians. From Daly City Councilmember to chairman of the state Assembly Rules Committee, Lou's hard work and distinguished service is an inspiration to all. Maria and I offer our deepest condolences to Lou's family during this difficult time."
Congressman Tom Lantos placed the following statement in the Congressional Record: "I rise with sadness today to share with my colleagues in the House news of the death of a California public servant from my home district. Lou Papan, known as the "Dean" of the California State Assembly, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 28, 2007. He was 78 years old. Lou Papan was practically a force of nature in state and local politics."
"He was an incredible guy," said Alex Tourk, who worked on his Assembly staff for four years. "He was one of those rare politicians who would advocate publicly what he believed privately."
Known as "The Enforcer" for his ability to shepherd votes, Lou Papan's shadow was cast large in Sacramento, over both opponents and supporters.
The California State Legislature renamed a section of Highway 1, from the Daly City border south through the City of Pacifica along the scenic coast, as the "Louis J. Papan Highway." He is given credit for successfully securing funding to purchase beachfront property in Pacifica for the State Parks system.
