Steve Padilla Seeks Reelection in Senate District 18 With Healthcare, Jobs and Environmental Agenda

CHULA VISTA, California — Democratic state Sen. Steve Padilla is seeking reelection against Republican Art Hodges in California’s 18th Senate District on November 3, 2026.

Padilla’s published campaign biography emphasizes healthcare access, public education, economic opportunity and climate policy. California58 has not independently verified the time, method or location of his personal vote.

A campaign grounded in South County service

Padilla’s official campaign biography describes his background in Chula Vista policing and local government, including service as mayor. It identifies South County and Imperial County communities as central to his work and calls for tackling income inequality and improving access to opportunity.

The biography also describes his experiences as a single parent and as an openly LGBTQ public official. Its account connects that history to his advocacy against discrimination. These details are presented as campaign-published background, not a new Election Day interview.

Data-center oversight adds a regional issue

Separately, CalMatters reported earlier this year that Padilla had urged greater environmental review and public input for a proposed Imperial County data center and introduced related oversight proposals. That is earlier policy reporting, not an assertion about the project’s current permit status or the final disposition of every bill.

The issue connects his legislative work to questions about water, electricity and development in rural communities. His campaign’s broader commitments to health, education and economic recovery remain stated priorities rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Keep campaign locations separate from voting

Hodges has separately advertised an election-night gathering in Chula Vista, which California58 covered with attribution. An opponent’s event announcement does not establish Padilla’s whereabouts or either candidate’s polling place.

Sources: Padilla’s official campaign biography; CalMatters’ earlier Imperial County reporting; California58’s separate Hodges event report.

Candidate verification: California Secretary of State’s certified general-election list. Campaign proposals and accounts of achievements are attributed claims, not guaranteed outcomes. This report makes no winner declaration.

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