It's time for something
different.
An independent voice for the South Bay, Central Coast, and Salinas Valley.
of voters say the two-party system is failing
self-imposed term limit — real accountability
in corporate PAC money — ever
South Bay · Central Coast · Salinas Valley
Chris Demers
Independent Candidate · CA-18
Why I'm Running.
Chris Demers grew up in a large family that taught him early how national economic forces ripple through local communities. When he was twelve, his older brother suffered a devastating brain injury — an experience that shaped his belief that access to affordable, humane healthcare is not abstract policy. It is something American families urgently need now.
Drawn to public service, Chris studied international relations at Georgetown and law at CUNY. He worked with the National Endowment for Democracy, delivered legal aid in post-war Liberia, and strengthened legal systems in Afghanistan as a USAID officer. He learned that real reform depends on balancing economic incentives, politics, and human relationships — not slogans.
Chris and his wife Tristia, a civil rights attorney, moved to Gilroy to raise their son Bronson. He led sustainability efforts at technology companies, coaches youth basketball, and serves on volunteer commissions in Gilroy and San Jose.
He left his job at HPE in March 2026 to run for Congress. Not to join a party fight — but to represent this district.
Georgetown University
B.A. International Relations
CUNY Law School
J.D. — Human Rights Focus
USAID Officer
Afghanistan & Liberia
HPE Sustainability
Director, Global Supply Chain
The District
"People are working hard and falling behind. It's time to change that."
The South Bay, Central Coast, and Salinas Valley deserve a representative who wakes up every day focused on this region and the people who live here.
What Chris Will Fight For
Select an issue to learn where Chris stands and what he'll do in Congress.
Cost of Living
"Families are working harder and falling behind."
Inflation well above 2% this far after the pandemic is unacceptable. Chris will fight to eliminate harmful tariffs that raise prices, reinstate Medicaid and SNAP subsidies, and cut through federal barriers that drive up everyday costs.
Learn more at demers4congress.com/issues
A different kind of representation.
Across our region, people are working harder than ever and still falling behind. And in Washington, the same partisan fights continue while these problems get worse. 70% of voters in this district say the two-party system is failing. They are right.
Chris Demers is running as an Independent for one reason: to represent this region, not a political party. This is not about left or right. It is about effectiveness.
No Corporate PAC Money
Every dollar comes from real people in this district.
Self-Imposed 8-Year Term Limit
Serving the district, not building a career in Washington.
Public Progress Reports
Regular updates so you can track exactly what he's delivering.
Endorsed by Forward Party
Recognized as a genuine independent voice for reform.
I'm not running to join a party fight. I'm running to lower the cost of living, make housing more affordable, protect access to healthcare, and bring real resources back to our families here at home.
Chris Demers
Independent Candidate · CA-18
Join the Movement
This campaign is powered by people — not corporate money. Every volunteer and every dollar makes a real difference. Here's how you can help.
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Join thousands of neighbors across CA-18 who are ready for something different.