In an electrifying turn of events, the Santa Barbara City Council is set to welcome a fresh face in the New Year. Political upstart Wendy Santamaria has emerged victorious in a nail-biting contest against incumbent Alejandra Gutierrez for the coveted District 1 Eastside seat, a decision crystallized by certified election results unveiled this week.
This particular race, marked by its tight margins, saw Santamaria clinch a decisive 46.8 percent of the ballot, totaling 2,098 votes to Gutierrez’s 41.5 percent, which equated to 1,862 votes. Cruzito Cruz rounded out the competition with 494 votes, recording an 11 percent share.
Wendy Santamaria, a passionate advocate for tenant rights and an experienced union organizer, ran a robust grassroots campaign laser-focused on tackling the pressing housing crisis that has gripped the city. With a substantial backing from formidable organizations such as the CAUSE Action Fund, the Santa Barbara Tenants Union, and Planned Parenthood, her platform resonated deeply within the community. Santamaria championed initiatives including a rental registry, rent stabilization measures, and a permanent right to legal counsel for individuals facing the threat of eviction.
However, Santamaria’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. She faced off against Gutierrez, a familiar face in local politics and a champion for the Eastside Latino community since her election in 2019. Over her tumultuous five-year tenure, Gutierrez emerged as a polarizing figure within City Hall; she garnered ardent supporters who celebrated her audacity to challenge the status quo while others critiqued her perceived inaccessibility and flip-flopping attendance at meetings.
Election night brought a rollercoaster of emotions. Initial results showcased Santamaria securing an impressive 50 percent of the early count, while Gutierrez trailed at 40 percent. A week later, as more semi-official results trickled in, Santamaria’s lead narrowed to a mere 152 votes—but she remained firmly in the captain’s seat. Ultimately, the certified results confirmed her triumph by a slender margin of 236 votes.
Post-victory, Santamaria released a heartfelt statement, expressing her gratitude to the “incredible coalition of community organizations, first responders, and tireless individuals” whose collective efforts propelled her to victory. “Everyday residents striving for an elevated quality of life made this win possible,” she articulated, feeling the weight of the trust placed in her vision for a more robust and inclusive Santa Barbara.
In her message, Santamaria also recognized Councilmember Gutierrez for her contributions and expressed enthusiasm for building on the existing successes as she steps into her role, aspiring to be a “representative for all residents.” She pledged her commitment to listening intently, engaging collaboratively, and amplifying every voice to effectively address the pivotal issues facing the community.
“In the wake of turbulent national politics, I reaffirm my commitment to uplift and protect our city’s vulnerable populations,” Santamaria asserted. “Now, more than ever, it is vital to ensure that every resident feels valued and secure, regardless of their identity or birthplace.”
Meanwhile, in the other corners of the council elections, incumbents Mike Jordan in District 2 (Mesa) and Oscar Gutierrez in District 3 (Westside) fared robustly against their contenders. Councilmember Jordan marked a significant second term with a commanding 75.9 percent of the votes, outpacing challenger Terra Taylor, who garnered just 23.3 percent. The Mesa district particularly shone with a high voter turnout—an impressive 85 percent of registered voters cast their ballot.
District 3’s Oscar Gutierrez encountered a stiffer challenge from his former martial arts teacher, Tony Becerra. Yet, despite the spirited competition and Becerra’s impressive 43 percent of the vote, Gutierrez emerged victorious with a solid 57 percent, securing 2,513 votes.
As the dust settles on this watershed election, a new chapter begins for Santa Barbara’s governance, marked by the rise of voices advocating for change and representation.
