Carbajal Faces No-Party Challenger in 24th District
Incumbent Democrat Salud Carbajal is running against Bob Smith, who switched from Republican to No Party Preference during the race.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Political Parties
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Democrat Salud Carbajal, a decade-long congressional incumbent in California's 24th District, faces No Party Preference challenger Bob Smith. Smith changed his party registration from Republican to No Party Preference mid-race.
Why it matters
Smith's party switch is seen by some as a way to distance himself from the current administration, reshaping how voters in the district view the contest. The race covers a mix of counties, so the outcome reflects a broad regional electorate in California.
Carbajal has served in Congress for 10 years, and the 24th District includes Santa Barbara County, southern San Luis Obispo County, and parts of Ventura County including Ventura and Ojai. Polling data and vote projections for the contest were not available in the source extraction.
The players
Salud Carbajal
Salud Carbajal is the Democratic incumbent in California's 24th Congressional District, a Marine veteran and former Santa Barbara County Supervisor who has served in Congress for a decade.
Bob Smith
Bob Smith is the No Party Preference challenger in the 24th Congressional District, who switched his registration from Republican during the race.
The details
Smith changed his party affiliation from Republican to No Party Preference during the campaign. Carbajal, a Marine veteran and former Santa Barbara County Supervisor, is seeking re-election while both candidates prepare for Election Day watch parties in the district.
Timeline
Election Day, November 3, 2026: voting and candidate watch parties take place.
6-9 p.m. on Election Day: Smith hosts his Election Night Watch Party at Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria.
Political Context
Smith's move from Republican to No Party Preference reflects a broader pattern of candidates distancing themselves from party labels in California's electorate. The race pits an established Democrat against a challenger who rejects both major-party affiliations, a contest structure that tests how much party identity still shapes congressional races.
For voters in the 24th District, the race determines which representative will serve them in Congress for the next term. Voters across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties will choose between a long-serving Democratic incumbent and a challenger who is not affiliated with either major party.
The takeaway
Party labels are not the only signal voters can use in congressional races, so it is worth looking at a candidate's record and stated positions alongside their registration. Checking your county's official election information before Election Day can help you confirm your polling place and ballot details.
Further reading
For more on how party affiliation shapes contests like this one, explore Political Parties coverage across California.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsChannel 3-12.
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