Voters Pick Successor for District 4 Seat
Four candidates are competing for the Santa Barbara City Council District 4 seat being vacated by Kristen Sneddon, who is running for mayor.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should Santa Barbara make it easier to build new housing in your neighborhood?
Voters in Santa Barbara are deciding the District 4 City Council seat among four candidates: Devon Wardlow, Monte Wilson, Genevieve Taft-Vazquez, and Jason Dominguez. The seat is open because current councilmember Kristen Sneddon is running for mayor.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine who represents the Riviera, Upper Eastside, Eucalyptus Hill, and Foothill neighborhoods on the Santa Barbara City Council. Candidates have taken differing positions on issues including the city's proposed rent stabilization policy.
Four candidates are on the ballot for one District 4 seat in the November 3, 2026, municipal election administered by the Santa Barbara County Elections Office. The final vote tallies and certified winner are not yet available.
The players
Kristen Sneddon
Current District 4 councilmember who is vacating her seat to run for mayor of Santa Barbara.
Devon Wardlow
City planning commissioner and former Obama administration official running for the District 4 seat.
Jason Dominguez
Former Santa Barbara City Councilmember running for the District 4 seat.
The details
Candidates Devon Wardlow, a city planning commissioner and former Obama administration official, Monte Wilson, a former technology executive who has opposed the city's proposed rent stabilization policy, Genevieve Taft-Vazquez, a business owner with experience in environmental sustainability, and Jason Dominguez, a former Santa Barbara City Councilmember, are seeking the seat. Candidates have also addressed downtown issues on State Street.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Municipal election for Santa Barbara City Council District 4.
Legal Context
The race is shaped by the city's proposed rent stabilization policy, which has become a dividing issue among candidates. Candidate positions on this policy will help define the council's direction on housing affordability for District 4 residents.
Residents of the Riviera, Upper Eastside, Eucalyptus Hill, and Foothill neighborhoods will be represented by whoever wins this seat. The winner will influence decisions on local issues such as rent stabilization and downtown policy.
The takeaway
The District 4 race offers Santa Barbara voters a direct say in how their neighborhoods are represented on housing and downtown policy. Reviewing each candidate's stated positions before November 3, 2026, can help voters make an informed choice.
What happens next
Voters will decide the District 4 seat in the November 3, 2026, municipal election.
Further reading
Explore more local government coverage in City Hall for background on Santa Barbara's council races.
Live Poll
Should Santa Barbara make it easier to build new housing in your neighborhood?
