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Race for Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder, Assessor Underway with Melinda Greene Filing for the Post
Melinda Greene, a 30-year veteran with the county, launches her campaign for the position.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Melinda Greene, a 30-year veteran with the Santa Barbara County government, has filed papers to run for the position of County Clerk-Recorder, Assessor. Greene says she is uniquely qualified for the role, having worked in every division of the department, including the elections office, assessor's office, and as the Chief Deputy. She touts her extensive experience and technical expertise as key assets.
Why it matters
The County Clerk-Recorder, Assessor is an important role that oversees elections, property records, and other critical government functions in Santa Barbara County. Greene's entry into the race sets up a potential contest with the incumbent, Joseph Holland, who has held the position since 2003.
The details
Greene paid her fees and began filing papers to run for the post on Thursday morning. If there are two candidates, the win is decided in the June election. If there are more than two, a candidate can win with 50 percent plus one vote, otherwise the top two advance to a November runoff. Greene says she has seen the elections office go through many phases since first volunteering prior to becoming an employee, and in her current role, she is "boots on the ground" handling the budget, department efficiencies, public assistance, and monitoring for any misuse of government records.
- Greene filed her paperwork to run on February 19, 2026.
- The June election will determine the winner if there are only two candidates.
- If there are more than two candidates, the winner could be decided in June with 50% plus one vote, otherwise a November runoff will be held.
The players
Melinda Greene
A 30-year veteran with the Santa Barbara County government who has worked in every division of the Clerk-Recorder, Assessor's office, including the elections office, assessor's office, and as the Chief Deputy.
Joseph Holland
The incumbent County Clerk-Recorder, Assessor who has held the position since 2003 and will announce his future plans in the coming weeks.
What they’re saying
“I'm the only person that's worked in every division. Clerk, recorder. I'm the Chief Deputy. Assessor. I built software systems for them. I've done their admin with financial oversight and their cash handling and their calendars for years. Elections. I started volunteering for elections before I even worked for the department.”
— Melinda Greene (KEYT)
“I'm clearly the most, technical of the candidates.”
— Melinda Greene (KEYT)
What’s next
Joseph Holland will announce his future plans for the Clerk-Recorder, Assessor position in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
Melinda Greene's entry into the race for Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder, Assessor sets up a potential contest with the long-serving incumbent Joseph Holland. Greene's extensive experience working in every division of the department, as well as her technical expertise, position her as a formidable candidate in the upcoming election.
