Steve Padilla

Steve Padilla is a candidate for State Senate District 18 Primary Election in 2026 in California State Senate District 18, California.

Incumbent State Senator in Chula Vista, CA

Also running: Art Hodges.

Steve Padilla is a Democratic member of the California State Senate, representing District 18. He assumed office in December 2022. Prior to his election to the State Senate, Padilla served as the Mayor of Chula Vista from 2002 to 2006 and as a member of the Chula Vista City Council. A former police detective who spent over a decade in law enforcement, he has also served on and chaired the California Coastal Commission.