California Senate District 18

About this race

Steve Padilla (Democratic) and Art Hodges (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Steve Padilla is the incumbent, per the Secretary of State's list. June 2 top-two primary result: Steve Padilla (DEM) 63.8 percent and Art Hodges (REP) 36.2 percent advanced, per the Secretary of State's Statement of Vote. California's top-two primary decides who prints in November; the field is the Secretary of State's Certified List of Candidates for the General Election (August 27, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Steve Padilla, is on the ballot.