The three highest-ranking legislators in Santa Barbara County issued a joint statement on Saturday condemning the “racist, AI-generated attack ad” against Fifth District Santa Barbara County Supervisor candidate Ricardo Valencia.
“There is no place in our community for the use of racist caricatures, disinformation, or deceptive AI-generated content designed to inflame division and demean candidates based on their background or identity,” according to the statement from Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara and and Assemblyman Gregg Hart, D-Santa Barbara
“These tactics undermine public trust, poison civic discourse, and disrespect the diverse communities of Santa Barbara County,” according to the statement.
The Santa Barbara County Republican Party created an ad that was texted to voters in the Fifth District that shows Valencia as a clown, wandering the streets of Santa Maria, with various scenes of theft, fighting, fires, homeless encampments. The ad features a voiceover with a stereotypical Latino accent and accuses Valencia of only “talking” about the issues and not addressing them.
Valencia has been endorsed by the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party and has gained momentum in recent weeks in his effort to join the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. He faces a challenge from Cory Bantilan, the chief of staff for the current supervisor, Steve Lavagnino, and Santa Maria City Council member Maribel Aguilera.
The Republican Party has not endorsed a candidate, but on its website takes the unusual tact of telling voters not to vote for Valencia or Bantilan.
“We strongly condemn the racist, AI-generated attack ad targeting Ricardo Valencia (candidate for District 5 Supervisor) that has been circulated by the Santa Barbara County Republican Party,” the statement says.
“Campaigns and political parties should debate ideas, proposals, and qualifications — not resort to hateful and misleading attacks that seek to divide neighbors against one another.
Bobbi McGinnis, chair of the county Republican Party, told the News-Press in a Friday story that the organization is not racist and that instead was experimenting with AI content.
“Santa Barbara County is stronger because of its diversity, and our public discourse should reflect the values of respect, integrity, and decency that our residents expect from their leaders,” according to the lawmakers’ statement.
Update: Laura Capps, 2nd District County supervisor, issued a statement on Saturday afternoon.
“Using racist caricatures and deceptive AI-generated attacks against a candidate is both vile and unacceptable. These tactics erode public trust, inflame division, and degrade our civic discourse. Voters deserve honesty, integrity, and a focus on real issues.”
The primary is June 2 and the top two candidates will advance to the November election.
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