Santa Barbara, Calif. – On Thursday, longtime City Councilmember Eric Friedman announced his concession in the 2026 mayoral race, acknowledging the victory of fellow councilmember Kristen Sneddon. The race, one of the last unresolved contests from the 2026 election cycle, concluded after a ballot drop on Tuesday shifted the lead to Sneddon.
Close race and final vote count
Election night initially showed Friedman with a few hundred‑vote advantage. However, the subsequent ballot drop narrowed the gap and placed Sneddon in a slim lead, prompting Friedman to issue a statement on his campaign Facebook page. In his remarks, Friedman thanked volunteers, supporters, and his family, emphasizing the community’s deep care for Santa Barbara’s future.
Friedman’s concession statement
“Thank you to every volunteer, supporter and voter who was part of this campaign, and to Julie, my sons Henry and Charles, and my mom, Celeste, for standing with me every step of the way,” Friedman wrote. He added, “This was a close election, and it showed how deeply Santa Barbarians care about the future of our city. The voters have made their choice, and it is important that we come together as a community to build our future together because Santa Barbara works best when every voice has a seat at the table. I wish Kristen Sneddon and the new Councilmembers well as they work on the issues important to all of us.”
Friedman reflects on his service
Friedman highlighted his nine years on the Santa Barbara City Council and a quarter‑century of public service, describing the city as “incredible” and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve. He concluded, “One of the most valuable lessons this campaign and my recent life experiences have taught me is that no matter what happens, every day is a bonus day. With gratitude and deep appreciation, thank you, Santa Barbara.”
Sneddon’s upcoming mayoral responsibilities
The City Council has yet to publish Sneddon’s official statement, but her upcoming term will focus on the priorities highlighted throughout the campaign, including affordable housing, public safety, and preserving the city’s unique coastal character. Residents can expect a transition period as the new mayor‑elect prepares to assume office and work with the council to advance these initiatives.
What this means for Santa Barbara voters
The close result underscores the competitive nature of local elections and the importance of every vote. Community members are encouraged to stay engaged with city meetings and upcoming policy discussions, ensuring that the voices heard during the campaign continue to shape municipal decisions.
For more information on the new mayor’s agenda and upcoming council meetings, residents can visit the City of Santa Barbara’s official website or follow council updates on social media.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
