2026 Midterms · U.S. House · California Safe
California — 18th District
Democratic
Zoe Lofgren
Incumbent
Republican
Shane Lewis
Incumbent Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren faces Republican challenger Shane Lewis in California's 18th Congressional District following the June 2, 2026 top-two primary. The matchup hinges on contrasting visions regarding immigration reform, economic and tax policy, water and energy resources, and federal governance. Major election rating outlets, including The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill, rate the general election as Solid or Safe Democratic.
Immigration and border security
high salienceLewis advocates combining strict border security and enforcement with legal assimilation reform, while Lofgren consistently opposes Republican immigration enforcement and voter documentation bills.
Economy and tax policy
high salienceLewis proposes replacing current income tax codes with a low flat tax and deregulation, whereas Lofgren opposes Republican budget reconciliation bills and spending cuts.
Water and energy resources
medium salienceLewis advocates expanding regional water storage, desalination, and hydropower infrastructure, while Lofgren opposes Republican fossil-fuel energy development legislation.
Government accountability and election integrity
medium salienceLofgren emphasizes executive oversight and high-profile roles in federal impeachments, while Lewis advocates strictly limiting federal power through constitutional adherence.
Education
low salienceLewis prioritizes parental involvement and core academic skills in public schools, while Lofgren opposes federal restrictions on gender identity in school sports programs.
Healthcare
low salienceLofgren views healthcare as a basic entitlement right requiring federal support, while Lewis addresses healthcare through MAHA tax incentives.