Santa Barbara, Calif. – In the tightly contested mayoral race, City Councilmember Eric Friedman currently leads former councilmember Kristen Sneddon by roughly five hundred votes, according to the latest night‑of‑election results.
The unofficial count shows Friedman with 46.6% of the vote compared to Sneddon’s 44.7%. Third‑place candidate Wendy Sims‑Moten trails with 5.8%, while Matt Kilrain holds 2.5% of the ballots.
Remaining Ballots and Next Steps
The Santa Barbara County Elections Office is still processing a number of outstanding ballots. Officials say the remaining votes will be tallied promptly, and the final results will be posted on the County Elections website and the special elections tab at KEYT.com.
Context of the Race
Both Friedman and Sneddon are incumbent members of the Santa Barbara City Council seeking to succeed current Mayor Randy Rowse, who announced he would not seek re‑election. The race has centered on issues such as affordable housing, downtown development, and preserving the city’s historic character.
Other council races are also shaping the city’s future. Candidates Devon Warlow, Ian Baucke and Gabe Escobido are reported to hold substantial leads in their respective council contests, indicating a potentially significant shift in the composition of the governing body.
What This Means for Santa Barbara Residents
If Friedman secures the mayoral seat, his platform emphasizes continued investment in public infrastructure and a focus on maintaining the city’s coastal environment while encouraging responsible growth. Sneddon, meanwhile, has highlighted the need for stronger support for local businesses and expanded community services.
Voters are encouraged to stay informed as the final count is released. The County Elections Office will provide updates through its official channels, and residents can review the complete results online.
How to Follow the Outcome
For the most current information, visit the Santa Barbara County Elections website or the special elections page on KEYT.com. The office will also issue a press release once all ballots are certified.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
