June Election Endorsements

The Santa Barbara Independent presents its endorsements for the Tuesday, June 7 primary elections. As always, the Independent does not endorse in every race but only in those that we have researched and can confidently suggest a candidate.

Thank you for considering our endorsement.

Salud Carbajal

U.S. House of Representatives, 24th Congressional District

This one is a no-brainer — Salud Carbajal deserves to be sent back to Congress for another term representing Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and now Ventura voters.

Read our full endorsement here.

Gregg Hart

California State Assembly, 37th District

As 2nd District supervisor for the County of Santa Barbara, Gregg Hart has been a forceful but thoughtful advocate for criminal justice reform, for programs for people without homes, and for those suffering from mental health and addiction issues — we’re confident Hart will provide strong support for local issues from Sacramento.

Read our full endorsement here.

Susan Salcido

Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools

The County Superintendent of Schools is without a doubt the most important elected position in Santa Barbara County that most people have never heard of — a seat now capably held by Susan Salcido.

Read our full endorsement here.

Joe Holland

Santa Barbara County Clerk, Recorder, Assessor, Registrar of Voters

For the past 20 years, Joe Holland has made the county’s elections train run on time, an amazing feat most voters have never particularly noticed. With his very able staff, Holland has quietly toiled in the shadows, expanding the ways residents can vote without sacrificing the integrity of the results.

Read our full endorsement here.

Laura Capps

Santa Barbara County, 2nd District Supervisor

This endorsement, we admit, is a bit unnecessary since Laura Capps is running unopposed. But it is important to be clear why we think having her as 2nd District supervisor is a very good thing for the county.

Read our full endorsement here.

Steve Lavagnino

Santa Barbara County, 5th District Supervisor

Given that Steve Lavagnino is running unopposed yet again — for the third time — this endorsement might seem superfluous. But we’re endorsing Lavagnino anyway to make a larger point: Intelligence, heart, and humor matter.

Read our full endorsement here.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff

No Endorsement

The candidates running for sheriff — incumbent Sheriff Bill Brown and Lt. Juan Camarena — are both serious, thoughtful, and dedicated public servants. Both have accomplishments of which they can rightfully boast. Both have much to recommend them. But both have given us cause for pause, and we can endorse neither.

Read our full comments here.

California’s primary election is Tuesday, June 7. Click here for a list of current ballot drop box locations in Santa Barbara County, or look up your polling place here. To track your ballot status, use the Secretary of State’s My Voter Status tool online. Same Day Registration is available until Election Day on June 7, and voters can “conditionally” register and vote a provisional ballot during this time. Check your voter registration here. For more info on this year’s primary election, visit the County Elections website.

Support the Santa Barbara Independent through a long-term or a single contribution.