Santa Maria to Hold City Council Elections November 3
Residents will head to the polls to decide local races and a proposed half-cent sales tax increase.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you support increasing the local sales tax to fund city services and infrastructure?
Santa Maria residents will cast ballots on November 3, 2026, to determine the future of City Council seats in Districts 3 and 4. Voters will also decide the fate of Measure C, a ballot initiative proposing a local sales tax increase.
Why it matters
The election centers on addressing municipal budget deficits, affordable housing, neighborhood growth, and the expansion of public services. Candidates and voters are weighing these priorities against the citys ongoing financial recovery efforts.
Measure C proposes raising the city sales tax by 0.5%, a shift from 8.75% to 9.25%, which is estimated to generate $13 million in annual revenue. Incumbent Gloria Soto previously secured $1.5 million in state funding to support city initiatives.
The players
Gloria Soto
She is the incumbent Councilmember for District 3 seeking re-election.
Corby Poulis Sr.
He is a challenger for the District 3 seat who decided to run following personal experiences with code enforcement.
Vincent Martinez
He is a candidate campaigning for the District 4 City Council seat.
Tyler Barksdale
He is a candidate campaigning for the District 4 City Council seat.
The details
District 3 incumbent Gloria Soto faces a challenge from Corby Poulis Sr., while Vincent Martinez and Tyler Barksdale compete for the seat in District 4. The city successfully reduced its projected budget deficit from $20 million down to $13 million through committee oversight.
Timeline
Election Day for City Council and Measure C takes place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of Measure C and specific city policies often argue that tax increases place an unnecessary burden on local households already facing economic pressure. Critics of incumbent leadership frequently highlight these fiscal debates as a primary reason for seeking alternative representation.
The approval of Measure C would increase the sales tax rate for every purchase made within city limits, directly impacting the monthly budget of local families. Election results will also determine the specific leadership responsible for managing future city services and local code enforcement.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific language of Measure C to understand how the projected $13 million in annual revenue would be allocated across city services. Comparing candidate platforms regarding housing and growth can help residents decide which direction best serves their neighborhood priorities.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming local contests in the Santa Maria elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSBY.
Live Poll
Do you support increasing the local sales tax to fund city services and infrastructure?
