Zurlinden to Run for Santa Barbara District 5 Seat
Chef James Zurlinden campaigns for the City Council seat ahead of the November 3, 2026 election.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Elections
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James Zurlinden, a chef and media buyer, is running for the District 5 seat on the Santa Barbara City Council. He remains in the race despite a request from the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party to suspend his campaign.
Why it matters
The candidacy of Zurlinden introduces a new dynamic to the local election as he competes against two other Democratic candidates for the council seat. His platform includes specific stances on public safety and immigration policy.
The upcoming city council election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which is now just 8 days away. Voters in District 5 will decide the seat among three Democratic candidates.
The players
James Zurlinden
A local chef and media buyer who is currently campaigning for the District 5 seat on the Santa Barbara City Council.
Santa Barbara County Democratic Party
The local political organization that formally requested that Zurlinden suspend his campaign for the council seat.
Ian Baucke
A fellow candidate also running for the District 5 council seat in the upcoming election.
The details
Zurlinden, who works as a media buyer and chef, appeared on the Santa Barbara Talks podcast to outline his support for increased public access to police body camera footage. He has also stated his opposition to ICE deportations while maintaining his bid despite a lack of party endorsement.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Election Day for the Santa Barbara City Council seat.
Political Context
This contest unfolds within the established framework of the Santa Barbara City Council charter regulations governing local elections. It highlights internal party friction as the organization attempts to consolidate support for its preferred candidates.
Residents of District 5 will see their representation on the council shift based on the outcome of this three-way race. The election results will determine which candidate sets local policy regarding police oversight and municipal immigration stances.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific policy proposals of all candidates to understand how their priorities align with the district's needs. Engaging with local podcasts and candidate forums is an effective way to stay informed before the upcoming vote.
What happens next
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026, when voters in District 5 will cast their final ballots for the City Council seat.
Further reading
Learn more about local voting procedures in our Santa Barbara Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Barbara News-Press.
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