California 18th District
Zoe Lofgren (D) holds this seat and is running again. 2 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Zoe Lofgren
Democrat · holds this seat today
FLiberty Score FOn the liberty side in 40 of 121 votes and bills.
Raised $1,983,394 since January 2025: 62% from people, 27% from PACs and other committees, 11% transfers and other income. The filing at FEC.gov
Shane Lewis
Republican · marine corps veteran, medical device electrical engineer
ALiberty Score A100 out of 100 across 5 principles. Graded on what Lewis has said and done, because I have no votes in Congress to count for Lewis.
Raised $115,469 since January 2025: 55% the candidate’s own money, 40% from people, 5% transfers and other income. The filing at FEC.gov
Higher on Liberty Score: Shane Lewis. Shane Lewis: A, 100 out of 100 from words and actions, with no votes in Congress to count. Zoe Lofgren: F, 27 out of 100 from recorded votes.
Voting in California: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Shane Lewis, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Lewis, so the grade above comes from this list: what Lewis has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
-
Asked in a voter guide questionnaire whether the relationship with Israel matters, he called Israel a long-time ally.
“Israel is a long-time ally with the united States.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Treating Israel as an ally is with liberty on free nations.
-
His campaign site proposes a flat federal tax of about 7 percent on wages and salaries.
“Introduce a simple, low flat tax of approximately 7% for American workers' wages and salaries.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
A named cut in income tax is with liberty on free markets.
-
In a voter guide questionnaire he strongly disagreed that people who can afford it should pay more tax, and called for less regulation and full deduction of health costs from taxable income.
“The government should not only reduce spending, but also reduce regulations, lower taxes, offer MAHA tax deductions, allow W-2 earners to deduct 100% of costs associated with Heath expenses from taxable income.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Rejecting higher taxes on the better off and naming a tax deduction are with liberty on free markets.
-
In a voter guide questionnaire he strongly agreed that biological males should not take part in women's sports or use women's spaces.
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Keeping women's sport female is with liberty on equal rights.
-
Asked what separation of church and state means to him, he said a national religion violates the purpose of government.
“A national religion violates the purpose of government.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Keeping religion out of the law of the state is with liberty on conscience.
-
In the same questionnaire he strongly agreed that marriage is a God-ordained union of one man and one woman that no government may redefine.
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
It states a religious view of marriage but names no law he would pass, so it does not settle the conscience test.
-
In a newspaper questionnaire he said he wants to stop the federal government overriding local communities on immigration.
“So, I want to prevent our Federal Government from steamrolling over our local communities and instead listen to our needs.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
It names no policy on the border, deportation or legal status, so it does not settle the borders test.
-
In a voter guide questionnaire he strongly disagreed with sanctuary cities and said they defend illegal immigration.
“Sanctuary states defend the practice because of Census dollars.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing sanctuary policies is with liberty on borders.
-
His campaign site would tie guest worker visas to strict compliance, with swift removal for violations.
“Tie program participation to strict compliance with visa terms, with swift removal for violations and incentives for employers who prioritize American workers first.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Enforcing the law and removing those who break it are with liberty on borders.
-
His campaign site proposes fast-tracking the cases of migrants whom local governments and businesses recommend for good conduct.
“Work with the President of the United States to collaborate with local governments on fast-tracking case processing for migrants, based on local government and business recommendations for individuals demonstrating good conduct and community integration.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
Faster case processing does not say whether people here illegally would get legal status, so it does not settle the borders test.
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
Who should win this race, and why?
Say it where other readers can answer you. Opinions, videos and corrections about this race are all in one place.
Discussion
California 18th District
Opinions, videos, corrections and bug reports about this race, all in one place. What readers post is their words, not mine. My answers carry the Host tag.
Leave out anything private about anyone. The rules, what your account keeps, and what readers have changed so far
Know this race better than I do?
Argue it with the hosts on a call. The community meets every day, and members help decide what goes on these pages.