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Steve Padilla

DemocraticIncumbent

Law enforcement

Steve Padilla is a Democratic candidate for California State Senate District 18 in the 2026 election. They are the incumbent.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Steve Padilla was born in San Diego, California, and lives in Chula Vista. Padilla graduated from Bonita Vista High School in 1985.[1] He also graduated from the Southwestern Police Academy. Padilla earned undergraduate degrees in liberal arts and public administration from Southwestern College and National University. Padilla was elected to the Chula Vista City Council in 1994, serving two terms. He served as mayor from 2002 to 2006.[2][3]

Bachelor's:
Southwestern College
High school:
Bonita Vista High School, 1985

Campaign themes

Steve Padilla has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Steve Padilla to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing steve@votestevepadilla.com.

Steve Padilla did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

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Steve Padilla did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Steve Padilla did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

On his campaign website, Padilla highlighted the following issues:

"Create Good Paying Jobs right here in Chula Vista by bringing good jobs in clean energy to the University Park and Research Center and getting the Bayfront done to create 9,000 local jobs."

"Strengthen Public Safety by giving our law enforcement and first responders the resources they need to make all Chula Vista neighborhoods safe and prosperous."

"Support Stronger Schools throughout our City by fighting for simple, back to basics educational programs to ensure our children get the resources they need to succeed."

"Stand up to Special Interests to ensure all Chula Vista neighborhoods get their fair share."

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

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