Santa Barbara Mayor Bows Out of Re-Election Race
Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse has announced that he will not seek re-election this November, leaving the race open for three Democratic challengers on the City Council.
WHY IT MATTERS
Rowse's decision not to run again marks a significant shift in Santa Barbara politics, as the city has been led by a Republican mayor for the past eight years. The upcoming election will determine the political direction of the coastal community.
THE DETAILS
Facing challenges from two of his City Council colleagues, Rowse cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reason for his decision not to run for a second term. The three Democrats now vying for the mayor's office are Council members Cathy Murillo, Alejandra Gutierrez, and Eric Friedman.
- Rowse announced his decision not to run for re-election on April 14, 2026.
- The Santa Barbara mayoral election is scheduled for November 2026.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/ca/santa-barbara/news/2026/04/14/santa-barbara-mayor-bows-out-of-re-election-race/