Santa Barbara Mayor Bows Out of Re-Election Race

Three Democrats now vie for the city's top political post.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:14am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a government building in a coastal city, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the facade and empty sidewalks in the foreground, conveying a sense of transition and change in the political leadership.The impending departure of Santa Barbara's longtime Republican mayor signals a shift in the political landscape of the coastal community.Santa Barbara Today

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse has announced that he will not seek re-election this November, leaving the race open for three Democratic challengers on the City Council.

Why it matters

Rowse's decision not to run again marks a significant shift in Santa Barbara politics, as the city has been led by a Republican mayor for the past eight years. The upcoming election will determine the political direction of the coastal community.

The details

Facing challenges from two of his City Council colleagues, Rowse cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reason for his decision not to run for a second term. The three Democrats now vying for the mayor's office are Council members Cathy Murillo, Alejandra Gutierrez, and Eric Friedman.

  • Rowse announced his decision not to run for re-election on April 14, 2026.
  • The Santa Barbara mayoral election is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Randy Rowse

The outgoing Republican mayor of Santa Barbara who has decided not to seek re-election after one term in office.

Cathy Murillo

A Democratic member of the Santa Barbara City Council who is now running for mayor.

Alejandra Gutierrez

A Democratic member of the Santa Barbara City Council who is now running for mayor.

Eric Friedman

A Democratic member of the Santa Barbara City Council who is now running for mayor.

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What they’re saying

“After much consideration, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from public office and focus on my family.”

— Randy Rowse, Mayor of Santa Barbara

What’s next

The three Democratic candidates will now compete in the November 2026 election to determine who will succeed Rowse as the next mayor of Santa Barbara.

The takeaway

Rowse's departure marks the end of Republican leadership in Santa Barbara and opens the door for a new era of Democratic governance in the coastal community.