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Santa Barbara County local elections

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What changed

2026-10-05 06:13 UTC → 2026-10-07 16:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Local political candidates in Santa Barbara County have begun participating in forums to present their platforms for the upcoming November elections. In Santa Barbara County, debates have centered on school board issues, such as a $10 million budget deficit and facility conditions, as well as the race for the Fifth District Supervisor seat. Candidates for the supervisor role have proposed different strategies for North County governance, including streamlining housing permits and increasing investments in public transit. In Santa Maria, City Council candidates held a forum at Allan Hancock College to address the city’s budget deficit and the proposed Measure C sales tax hike, which is intended to generate roughly $13 million annually. Discussions ~~during these forums have~~ covered public safety, immigration, and fiscal management. In the District 3 race, incumbent Gloria Soto is running for a third term against Corby Poulis Sr., who has advocated for a “realistic approach to finances” by reviewing all line items and avoiding the use of one-time state or federal funds for long-term projects. Other contested seats include District 4, featuring Vincent Martinez and Tyler Barksdale, and District 1, where Ricardo Batalla, Celest Mendoza, and Gary Janek Michael are running following the resignation of Carlos Escobedo. Debates for the Santa Barbara Unified school board have also intensified. Candidates addressed a $9.7 million deficit and a $250 million spending plan. In trustee area four, Mark Philibosian is focusing on stabilizing enrollment and improving test scores. During a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters, candidates also discussed the integration of artificial intelligence in classrooms, with Valerie Amparan suggesting AI be used as a tool with “age-appropriate guardrails.” Discussions also touched upon campus racism and management accountability. Additionally, the race for the Fifth District Supervisor seat continues, with candidates proposing different strategies for North County governance, including streamlining housing permits and increasing investments in public transit.

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