Santa Barbara Will Hold Mayoral Election on November 3
Four candidates are campaigning for the Santa Barbara mayoral seat in the upcoming November 3, 2026, general election.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Do you believe local government policies are effectively keeping housing affordable for residents in your community?
Santa Barbara is set to hold its mayoral election on November 3, 2026. Four candidates are vying for the position while focusing their platforms on local governance and city management.
Why it matters
The election is critical for local voters as candidates address pressing challenges regarding the cost of living and housing availability. These issues remain central to the campaign platforms as residents evaluate their options for city leadership.
Four mayoral candidates are currently competing for the office in an official filing for the November 3, 2026, general election. The final outcome of the race remains to be determined by the electorate.
The players
Wendy Sims-Moten
She is one of the four official candidates seeking election to the office of mayor in Santa Barbara.
Eric Friedman
He is a candidate campaigning for the position of Santa Barbara mayor.
Kristen Sneddon
She is currently running as a candidate for the mayor of Santa Barbara.
Matt Kilrain
Also known as Boat Rat Matt, he is a candidate for the Santa Barbara mayoral seat who has declined media interviews.
The details
Candidates Wendy Sims-Moten, Eric Friedman, Kristen Sneddon, and Matt Kilrain are campaigning on platforms addressing affordability, public safety, and immigration enforcement. Matt Kilrain, also known as Boat Rat Matt, declined to participate in interviews regarding his campaign.
Timeline
The general election for the mayor of Santa Barbara will be held on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
This election operates under the standard municipal guidelines for Santa Barbara governance. Opposition groups are currently raising concerns regarding whether the candidates' proposed housing strategies will be effective in addressing local cost-of-living increases.
Residents will have the opportunity to cast their ballots on November 3, 2026, to determine the city's future leadership. The outcome will directly influence local regulations regarding housing development and city-wide public safety initiatives.
The takeaway
Voters should review candidate platforms on campaign websites to understand how each individual plans to address local economic pressures. Assessing these stated priorities is essential for making an informed choice in the upcoming general election.
Further reading
For more information on the local government process, visit City Hall.
Live Poll
Do you believe local government policies are effectively keeping housing affordable for residents in your community?
