With voting day just about a month ahead, some city of Santa Barbara candidates have campaign budgets reaching six figures. Others are dwindling.
Most of the candidates have filed the details of their finances in the city of Santa Barbara’s public access portal for campaign finance. Documents show how much money candidates have received in total, how much they’ve spent so far and what they’ve spent it on.
Eric Friedman is leading funding for the mayoral race. In the districts, Devon Wardlow has raised the most in District 4, Ian Baucke has raised the most in District 5 and Gabe Escobedo is leading in District 6.
The mayoral debate
In the mayoral race, Eric Friedman has nearly doubled opponent Kristen Sneddon’s fundraising balance, with $185,916 contributed to his campaign this year. Sneddon trails behind at $99,305. However, many still feel that Sneddon’s endorsements, like the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party give her an edge in the race.
As of Sept. 19, Friedman has $163,934 left to spend. One of his top campaign donors is Jim Knells’s SIMA Corporation, a property management group in downtown Santa Barbara. Sneddon has $70,652 to go. Her top donors include Laura Capps, a Member of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, and Friends of State Street president Sharon Rich.
Mayoral candidate Wendy Sims-Moten did not have any financial documents filed.
District 4 City Council Race
In District Four, which encompasses Santa Barbara’s foothills, Coast Village Road and Riviera neighborhoods, planning commissioner Devon Wardlow is leading in both fundraising and endorsements. She’s received a total of $84,266.76, with $68,939.09 left to spend. Unions have contributed a combined amount of nearly $10,000 dollars to Wardlow’s campaign, such as the Service Employees International Union. She’s also received $250 from current councilmember Mike Jordan’s 2024 campaign.
Monte Wilson, a State Street business owner, has received $70,147 in total, with $53,624.67 to go. He also received money from the SIMA Corporation—around $5,000. Genevieve Taft-Vazquez has received $25,430 with a top donor being Suzanne Cohen of the Democratic Women of Santa Barbara. She has $19,332 left to spend. Jason Dominguez, who is seeking a second City Council term, has raised $2,669, and currently has $968.54.
District 5 City Council Race
Over in District Five, Ian Baucke is leading the race with $18,131 raised and $10,449 left to spend. Baucke received a $500 donation from the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee, which also endorsed him. He also received hefty contributions from his parents, which include current planning commissioner John Baucke.
Cevin Cathell, who has experience in film production and non-profit organizations. Has raised $8,864 and currently has spent little, with $8,491 left. Mayor Randy Rowse contributed $1,000 to Cathell of leftover money from his campaign in 2021. Lastly, James Zurlinden has received $1,350 and spent nearly half, with $550.34 left.
District 6 City Council Race
District 6, which holds downtown and State Street itself, has school board member Gabe Escobedo leading the race with $19,069 raised and $13,919.53 left to go. Escobedo has been endorsed by the Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County, which gave him $2,500. He also received a $2,000 donation from Laura Capps.
Alexander Stoeber has raised $14,812, receiving a $5,000 donation from the SIMA Corporation. He has $6,405.03 left. The other two candidates running to represent District Six, Anabella Lehne and Jason Carlton, did not have information available in the elections portal. Carlton’s documents said he’s received 0 dollars of contributions.
Lehne told the News-Press that she has raised less than $2,000 in donations so far, and said her focus has been on meeting District Six residents rather than fundraising.
“Having less money to report shouldn’t be interpreted as not having an active campaign,” she said. “I want voters to know that I’m accountable to them, not to anyone expecting something in return for a donation.”
