Santa Barbara County – On Friday afternoon, Bob Smith, the Republican‑turned‑Independent candidate for the U.S. House in California’s 24th Congressional District, filed paperwork at the Santa Barbara County Elections Office to register as No Party Preference. The filing marks a formal break from the GOP and signals his intent to run as an Independent in the November race against incumbent Democrat Salud Carbajal.
Why the change?
Smith told a News Channel crew that his decision reflects the diverse interests of the Central Coast, from the fishing community in Morro Bay to the agricultural areas of North County and the coastal cities. “We need somebody who’s going to represent the Central Coast first and not political party affiliation,” he said.
Background
Smith, a former Navy officer who moved from New Jersey to California after retiring in 2024, had previously registered as an Independent when he first settled in the state. He re‑registered as a Republican later that year to launch his campaign against Carbajal, a Democrat who has held the seat since 2017.
According to campaign media advisor Nick Kvistad, Smith’s shift back to No Party Preference is not driven by any disagreement with the Republican Party or President Trump. “He’s never been focused on the president at all,” Kvistad said. “His focus has always been on the issues that matter to Central Coast voters.”
Campaign focus
Smith emphasized that his platform centers on local concerns such as water reliability, coastal erosion, and support for small businesses. He described the incumbent as a “nice guy” but argued that Carbajal has not solved key problems facing voters in the district.
When asked whether his former Republican label would appear on the November ballot, Smith confirmed it would, but added that his current filing amounts to a “pledge” to serve as an Independent if elected.
What this means for voters
The filing does not alter the ballot design; Smith’s name will still appear with a Republican affiliation next to it, but his official voter registration now reflects an Independent status. Voters who prioritize non‑partisan representation may view the change as a positive step toward focusing on local issues rather than national party politics.
Local election officials confirmed the paperwork was processed without issue and that Smith remains eligible to appear on the ballot as a candidate for the 24th District.
Looking ahead
Smith’s campaign will continue to hold town halls and meet with community groups across the Central Coast as the election approaches. He encourages voters to evaluate candidates based on their positions on water security, economic development, and preserving the region’s unique coastal character.
For more information on Smith’s platform and upcoming events, voters can visit his campaign website or follow his social media channels.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
