Zakaria Kortam

About Zakaria

Republican candidate for U.S. Congress committed to America First policies, bipartisan unity, and commonsense solutions for California's 18th District.

Zakaria Kortam

Campaign for Congress

Zakaria Kortam is running for U.S. Congress in California's 18th District in the 2026 election. As a Republican candidate, he is committed to America First policies, bipartisan unity, fiscal responsibility, and commonsense solutions that benefit all Americans.

Born and raised in Mountain View, California, Zakaria has lived his entire life in the Golden State. A proud Californian who understands our unique challenges and opportunities, he is committed to bringing commonsense solutions that work for all Californians while remaining loyal to America's founding principles and exceptionalism.

Professional Background

Software Engineer

California
2022 - Present
  • Built AI-powered enterprise software and cross-platform applications
  • Experience with cutting-edge technologies including AI, machine learning, and cloud systems
  • Founded and scaled technology startup serving thousands of users

Student & Educator

UC San Diego & Community College
2020 - Present
  • Pursuing B.S. in Electrical Engineering with Machine Learning specialization
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude with triple major in CS, Math, and Physics

Personal Story

Lifelong Californian

Mountain View, California
Born 2004
Born, raised, and educated in California my entire life. Attended public elementary, middle, and high school in San Jose, then continued my education at community college and UC San Diego. As a proud Californian, I deeply understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our state. I'm loyal to California and its people, committed to commonsense solutions that work for all Californians, and proud to be an American fighting for our nation's future.

Core Values

American First, Unity, Fiscal Responsibility
Guiding Principles
Committed to constitutional principles, individual liberty, and American exceptionalism. Believes in bipartisan cooperation for commonsense solutions that unite rather than divide. Advocates fiscal responsibility with logical budgeting and accountability in government.

Leadership Qualities

Constituent Loyalty

A public official must be loyal to their constituents. If controlled by special interests that contradict constituent needs, they have already failed.

Diligence & Intelligence

Must be diligent, intelligent, and ambitious. Brings California work ethic and analytical skills developed through public education and real-world experience to solve complex policy challenges.

Policy Expertise

Deep understanding of fiscal policy, foreign affairs, technology, education, healthcare, and national security through study and experience.

American Values

Committed to constitutional principles, individual liberty, and American exceptionalism. Rejects identity politics for unity around shared values.

Why I'm Running

America needs leaders who prioritize our citizens, work across party lines for commonsense solutions, and bring unity instead of division. We must restore fiscal responsibility, invest in education and research, rebuild our infrastructure, and crack down on corruption and inefficiency in government.

As a Californian software engineer with a background in logical thinking and problem-solving, I bring fresh perspectives to Washington. My experience in technology, education, and community leadership has prepared me to tackle complex challenges and deliver real results for all Americans.

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