Four candidates are vying for the California 18th Congressional District seat in the June 2 primary, setting up a contest between a deeply entrenched incumbent and three challengers who argue Washington needs fresh leadership.
Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who has represented parts of the South Valley in Congress since 1995, is seeking another term, contested by independent Chris Demers of Gilroy, Democrat Luis Acevedo-Arreguin of Castroville and Republican Shane Lewis of San Jose.
Lofgren points to a long record of delivering federal resources to the region as her central argument for reelection. Among the local accomplishments she cited was securing $50 million for flood protection along Coyote Creek and retrofitting Anderson Dam to withstand earthquake damage.
“That investment was incredibly important for the safety of South Valley communities,” Lofgren said. “There are still infrastructure projects in these communities that are necessary, and I want to continue working with localities and stakeholders to ensure federal resources get delivered.”
Lofgren currently serves as a ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, where she said she is focused on spurring agricultural innovation and accelerating federal research on wildfires and flooding.
She also serves on the House Judiciary Committee, where she has called for immigration reform and defended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Before her election to Congress in 1994, Lofgren served 14 years on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
She listed lowering costs for Californians, comprehensive immigration reform, and strengthening American leadership in science and technology as her top three legislative priorities.
On the question of staying connected to constituents while engaged in national politics, Lofgren said her approach has remained constant throughout her career.
“I’ve never been someone who goes to Washington to put on a show or make a name for myself, but to work every day to rein in the chaos and deliver results for Californians,” she said. “I fly home every weekend, because it’s important for me to be out in the community.”
Demers, who is running without party affiliation and has pledged to accept no corporate PAC money, said the district needs an independent voice free from the pressures that he argues have compromised Lofgren’s effectiveness.
“Our democracy is now weak, and reform-minded public servants—like me—are the answer to restoring it,” Demers said. “Power in Washington has been captured by special interests, a process reinforced by our two major political parties, and Zoe Lofgren exemplifies this.”
Demers, who has a background in international development work including posts in post-war Liberia and Afghanistan, accused Lofgren of failing to address the district’s housing crisis and of declining to hold major technology companies accountable.
“The current representative has not introduced any legislation or shown leadership in the housing crisis that affects this district,” Demers said. He also said Lofgren “will not vote to hold big tech accountable” and has not shown how she will support farmers facing difficult economic conditions.
Demers listed lowering the cost of living, making healthcare more affordable, and restoring public trust in government as his top priorities.
“If I am effective, we will see more families that are financially stable and able to put down roots,” Demers said.
Democratic challenger Acevedo-Arreguin, who was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States in the late 1990s before settling in Castroville, brings a background in education and community advocacy.
He taught mathematics and GED preparation courses at institutions including Monterey Peninsula College and Watsonville High School, and has experience helping immigrant community members navigate citizenship applications and legal paperwork. Acevedo-Arreguin did not respond to requests for comment.
“As a congressional candidate, I pledge to represent minorities and people of color, advocate for comprehensive immigration reform (the first one in more than 30 years), expand affordable healthcare for middle class families, establish term limits for members of Congress, and protect constitutional rights and freedoms,” Acevedo-Arreguin wrote in his candidate statement.
Lewis, an R&D electrical test engineer and former United States Marine, is also in the running. Lewis has worked for medical device companies including Abbott and St. Jude Medical. He also served as a faith leader in a San Jose church.
The husband of a Guatemalan immigrant, Lewis supports immigration reform by creating stronger pathways to citizenship for legal immigrants. Lewis did not respond to requests for comment or file an official candidate statement.
The primary election for California’s 18th Congressional District will take place June 2. The two candidates with the highest number of votes in the primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of party affiliation. Early voting began May 5.
Vote by June 2
The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters office has sent information brackets and ballots to all registered voters for the June 2 primary election. Voters can cast their ballots any time before polls close at 8pm June 2, by dropping them off at 24-hour secure dropboxes or at voting centers throughout the county. In-person voting is also available at voting centers. For a list of locations of dropboxes and voting centers, visit the registrar’s website at sccvote.org.
