California's 18th Congressional District Election 2024: A Bellwether For the Democratic Party Establishment?
Chairwoman Charlene Concepción Nijmeh Looks To Swing the District Progressive
By Richard Luthmann
The stage is set for a pivotal showdown in the 2024 U.S. House elections. California's 18th Congressional District, newly redrawn after the 2020 Census, covers Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The district, encompassing diverse communities, faces various pressing issues, including economic development, healthcare, education, equity, and environmental sustainability. These topics are expected to dominate the campaign discourse, with each candidate presenting their vision and solutions.
The primary in March will be a crucial determinant of the Democratic candidate who will advance to the general election. This nonpartisan primary is an opportunity for voters to weigh in on their preferred candidate, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched general election campaign.
Incumbent Zoe Lofgren's significant campaign funding positions her as a well-resourced candidate capable of mounting a strong campaign.
However, Lofgren faces stiff competition from Charlene Concepción Nijmeh. The progressive challenger's grassroots approach and connection with local issues present a compelling alternative to voters seeking change.
The contest promises to be a litmus test for the national Democratic Party establishment. This critical race will see voters heading to the polls for the primary on March 5, 2024, followed by the general election on November 5.
California's 18th Congressional District Incumbent: Zoe Lofgren
At the forefront of the Democratic field is incumbent Zoe Lofgren, a Washington insider for the last half-century. An attorney, Lofgren worked as a Congressional staffer after graduating from Stanford. She was behind the scenes when the House Judiciary Committee prepared articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon in 1973.
Known for her robust campaign finance, Lofgren's election coffers are brimming with Silicon Valley contributions. According to FEC quarterly reporting data, Lofgren raised $1,146,753 and had $995,635.00 on hand as of September 30, 2023.
Many view Lofgren's prolific Silicon Valley fundraising as a double-edged sword. Some charge Lofgren is too beholden to the interests of Big Tech. They question whether Lofgren is beholden to her wealthy contributors to the detriment of the basic needs of rank-and-file constituents like transportation, taxes, and affordable housing.
Lofgren's sizeable war chest and political entrenchment make her a formidable candidate. She brings a wealth of connections and political allies, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
![California Democratic Party Congressional Representatives Nancy Pelosi [l] and Zoe Lofgren [r].](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Feb67d28e-f9c5-41b7-b789-bfc1ccc527e0_1024x768.jpeg "California Democratic Party Congressional Representatives Nancy Pelosi [l] and Zoe Lofgren [r].")
Under scrutiny in the race will be Lofgren's work in addressing critical issues in a district with an increasing wealth disparity and a growing number of progressive voters.
Lofgren must also confront charges of "Pay To Play" politics.
Chairwoman Charlene Concepción Nijmeh
Challenging Lofgren is Charlene Concepción Nijmeh. A strong Democratic contender, Nijmeh offers a fresh perspective and alternative policies.
Nijmeh is a successful entrepreneur with wide-ranging business and philanthropic pursuits. In addition, Nijmeh is the Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, a Native American band indigenous to the Bay Area.
Nijmeh's campaign focuses on bringing new progressive ideas and energy to the district. The Chairwoman aims to address evolving challenges and represent the changing demographics and needs of the constituents.
"I want to work for you -- to create more living wage jobs, to improve our schools, and to make public safety a public priority again. With two decades of experience building a recycling company, starting a charitable foundation, and now leading a Tribal government, I know what it takes to find solutions, to bring people together, and to get things done," Chairman Nijmeh's platform statement says.
Lofgren Snubs, Strong-Arms Nijmeh
Chairwoman Nijmeh met with five Bay Area congressional delegation members in January 2023, including Lofgren. During the meeting, members of Congress attempted to "strong-arm" the Tribe into signing away the rights and freedoms of future generations.
Supported by progressive groups, including Standford and UC Berkeley students and Native American-owned media publications, Nijmeh called the members out for their hypocrisy in support of equity and the rights of indigenous people. The platform of the Democratic National Committee purports to bolster equity and inclusion and honor indigenous Tribal Nations.
After the meeting, Chairwoman Nijmeh resolved to reinvigorate her Tribe's fight for political liberation by running for Congress.
Chairwoman Nijmeh says it will take energetic, fresh-thinking representation in Congress to make progress on issues that matter for working families. She says the district should focus on housing affordability, safer streets, rigorous public schools, stellar vocational programs, and strong economic growth.
California's 18th Congressional District's Republican Challenger
On the Republican side, Peter Hernandez is among those seeking to challenge the Democratic nominee. Hernandez faces an uphill battle swaying voters in a district that has historically leaned Democratic.
In 2022, Republican Challenger Hernandez lost to Zoe Lofgren 66% to 34%. Many believe the district is unwinnable for a Republican. According to the Daily Kos, the results of the 2020 presidential election in the newly drawn district belie this point. Joe Biden (D) would have received 71.0% of the vote in this district, and Donald Trump (R) would have received 26.9%.
Hernandez's campaign highlights concerns over the decline in community safety due to decriminalization laws and defunding of police. The Republican supports parental control in children's education. Hernandez also emphasizes the importance of the middle class and small businesses in the economy. He notes the challenges faced due to regulatory burdens.
California's 18th Congressional District: Other Candidates
Democrats Luele Kifle and Lawrence Milan have qualified for the March 5, 2024 primary. Independent Fepbrina Keivaulqe Autiameineire also obtained ballot access.
Luele Kifle earned an associate degree from the ITT Technical Institute in 2011 and a bachelor's degree from DeVry University in 2016. His career experience includes working as a government contractor.
Lawrence Milan is a 1st generation Mexican-American. He aims to create an equitable and livable world with his experience and leadership skills. He believes in "the power of unity, working together towards a brighter and stronger community," according to his campaign website.
Fepbrina Keivaulqe Autiameineire was born in Los Angeles, California. She earned her education from UEI College in 2011. Her career experience includes working as a U.S. American business political economist. Autiameineire is affiliated with the Vienmerisce American Society.
A Democratic Party Bellwether?
California's 18th District has long been an established Democratic Party stronghold. However, changing political tides and voter sentiments could influence the outcome of this election. Insiders are following the shifting allegiances of the Hispanic and Progressive voting blocs.
Voter turnout will also play a critical role in this election. With issues such as healthcare, economic recovery, equity, inflation, and climate change at the forefront, voters are expected to actively participate in choosing their representative.
Political analysts closely monitor this race as it could signal broader national trends and voter sentiments. The election results will determine the district's representative and contribute to the larger political balance in the U.S. House of Representatives. The race in California's 18th Congressional District remains one to watch, with national implications hanging in the balance.