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<h3>2026 Primary Election Voter Guide (In Progress)</h3>Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee Endorsed CandidatesElection Day: June 2, 2026 Ballots Mailed: May 4, 2026Official 2026 California Primary Information <a data-mce-href="https://sbwpc.substack.com/p/santa-barbara-womens-political-committee-47a" href="https://sbwpc.substack.com/p/santa-barbara-womens-political-committee-47a" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Here﻿</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;

Voter Guide

Election Day: June 2, 2026 Ballots Mailed: May 4, 2026The Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee (SBWPC) is a non-partisan political action committee dedicated to promoting a feminist agenda. We proudly endorse leaders who embody feminist values of social, racial, and gender equality. These candidates have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to achieving political and social change.<h3>Federal &amp; Statewide Candidates </h3>U.S. House of Representatives, 24th District | Salud Carbajal Focused on infrastructure, environment, and healthcare. Helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. California Attorney General | Rob Bonta Running for re-election to protect freedoms, defend democracy, and advocate for civil rights. California Secretary of State | Shirley Weber &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Champion for voting rights, election integrity, and democratic access. California State Controller | Malia Cohen &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Chief Financial Officer of CA, focused on economic equality and fair tax structures. California State Treasurer | Anna Caballero Trailblazer focused on the value of hard work and ensuring every dollar counts. <figure id="figure-hn6qn82wqnmo9pszrx"><img id="hn6qn82wqnmo9pszrx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fn7yucbizjyd9eIccf68sGP1w0mpVSlseLYwXp0SkyzBIUlMzrUEJ6vhJmK03od.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% 50%;" data-corners="small" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fn7yucbizjyd9eIccf68sGP1w0mpVSlseLYwXp0SkyzBIUlMzrUEJ6vhJmK03od.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% 50%;"></figure><h3>State Assembly &amp; Local County Leadership </h3>CA State Assembly, 37th District | Gregg Hart Focused on housing solutions, environmental protection, and public safety. SB County Supervisor, District 2 | Laura Capps Responsive leader advocating for affordable housing and renewable energy. SB County Clerk-Recorder Assessor | Melinda Greene Third-generation Santa Barbaran with 30 years of technical county experience. SB County Auditor-Controller | Kyle Slattery CPA and seasoned public sector leader emphasizing transparency and modernization. <h3>Important Voter Information </h3>Election Day: June 2, 2026 Mission: Our goal is to elect candidates who champion legislation favoring the many, not just the few. The SBWPC focuses on endorsing candidates who align with core positions against discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.Resources: Visit www.sbwpc.org for more information on our mission and the endorsement process. Official Guide: <a data-mce-href="https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026" href="https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Check out Official 2026 California Primary Here</a> <h3>From the President’s Desk </h3>Democracy relies on your participation. Whether you volunteer for one or all our endorsed candidates, engage in legislative outreach, or attend our educational forums and candidate development workshops, your involvement is crucial. We encourage you to actively participate in this election cycle. Get out the vote and cast your ballot. Christina Pizarro President, Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee

Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee Endorsed Candidates

a hand holding a red button that says i vote

<h3>Emerson College Polling: April 2026 </h3>The latest survey from Emerson College, conducted as of April 16, 2026, reveals a highly fragmented field and a significant block of undecided voters. With no single candidate commanding a dominant lead, the race for the June 2nd primary remains fluid.<h3>Current Standings</h3>The following table outlines voter support for the primary candidates based on the poll's topline results: <figure id="figure-zfk4gujvwimo9oe2gy" class="selected"><img id="zfk4gujvwimo9oe2gy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16hot3RmfLif7NgjOYz4A56g1Twok33IFUbYLMVENZr0HpNlvULN47pTxuWvltle.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16hot3RmfLif7NgjOYz4A56g1Twok33IFUbYLMVENZr0HpNlvULN47pTxuWvltle.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Key Analysis </h3>The Undecided Factor: At 23%, the undecided electorate is larger than the support for any individual candidate. This suggests that "too many undecided" remains a primary takeaway for the current race. Republican Consolidation: Republican candidates Steve Hilton (16.6%) and Chad Bianco (14.4%) currently hold the top two polling positions. President Trump’s recent endorsement of Hilton has dealt a potentially significant blow to Bianco’s efforts to consolidate the GOP vote. The Democratic Split: The Democratic vote is heavily divided among Tom Steyer (14.1%), Xavier Becerra (10.4%), and Katie Porter (10.3%). Analysts note that this fragmentation risks a "nightmare scenario" for Democrats where two Republicans could potentially advance to the general election runoff. Campaign Dynamics: Eric Swalwell's exit has intensified the battle among Democrats. Tom Steyer has gained momentum, securing the endorsement of the California Teachers Association (CTA) and multiple Assemblymembers. Meanwhile, Matt Mahan’s campaign is leveraging the shift, launching a major $14 million TV ad buy from a supporting Super PAC. Republican delegates refused to endorse Steve Hilton, despite President Trump’s support. <h3>Voter Issue Landscape </h3>Voters identified several critical issues driving their decisions for the upcoming primary: Economy: Jobs, inflation, and taxes remain the paramount concern for 41.1% of Californians. Housing Affordability: Nearly one-fifth of voters (19.8%) cite housing as the most important issue facing the state. Governance Concerns: Threats to democracy were noted by 9.7% of respondents as a top priority. Safety and Immigration: Crime (6.4%) and immigration (6.0%) follow as significant secondary concerns.<h3>Upcoming Debates </h3>Two primary debates are scheduled: Wednesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. PT, and Tuesday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m.. The April 22 debate will feature Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, and Democrats Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, and Matt Mahan. Survey Methodology Sample Size: 1,000 respondents. Date Conducted: (Final results updated April 16, 2026). Lead Researcher: (Emerson College Polling).

California Gubernatorial Race

<h2>Understanding California's Primary</h2>California’s primary elections, a pivotal moment in the U.S. political scene, are held in the state with the largest population. &nbsp;This makes California’s primary a crucial battleground for candidates vying for their party’s nomination. &nbsp;The state’s diverse population and varied political interests often shape national discourse.California’s primary process is distinct, utilizing a top-two system where all candidates, irrespective of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot. Consequently, the two candidates garnering the highest votes advance to the general election, potentially resulting in captivating matchups. This system fosters a wider array of candidates and can lead to dynamic election outcomes.<figure id="figure-jq09b7hgkmo9nhcao"><img id="jq09b7hgkmo9nhcao" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bgX1kfiWDnuXuEDXCmxmExymB8uXAYyT5JnjGSdG0H2ad5TDJB0iinXafHQFHUZ.jpg" alt="california voting" title="california voting" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bgX1kfiWDnuXuEDXCmxmExymB8uXAYyT5JnjGSdG0H2ad5TDJB0iinXafHQFHUZ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The Influence on National Politics</h2>California’s primary is not merely about selecting candidates for state offices; it holds immense significance in shaping the national political landscape. The outcomes of the primary can significantly influence the prominence of various issues on a national scale. Given California’s diverse electorate, topics such as climate change, healthcare, and immigration often gain heightened attention during the primary process. Moreover, California’s substantial delegate count grants it considerable weight in presidential primaries. Securing a victory in California can provide candidates with crucial momentum, potentially swaying undecided voters and impacting the outcomes of subsequent state primaries.<figure id="figure-lkri6ee4remo9nhf5j"><img id="lkri6ee4remo9nhf5j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dELueSjmitKdeloFFKThSmOj5FM5WceBwrH4ZWkemvmyJsBvUjMJGTFwcADPw03.jpg" alt="political rally" title="political rally" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="60%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dELueSjmitKdeloFFKThSmOj5FM5WceBwrH4ZWkemvmyJsBvUjMJGTFwcADPw03.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 60%;"></figure><h3>Economic Implications</h3>Beyond politics, California’s primary holds significant economic implications. As the state’s economy stands as the world’s fifth-largest, political decisions made here can have a profound impact on industries spanning technology to agriculture. Policies endorsed during the primary can lead to shifts in business practices and investment strategies, shaping the state’s economic landscape.For businesses, comprehending the primary’s outcomes offers valuable insights into future regulatory environments and economic trends. Engaging with the political process during this crucial period becomes essential for stakeholders across various sectors, enabling them to navigate and capitalize on the evolving economic landscape. <img id="7i1mwt755jmo9nhhrd" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; object-position: center center;" title="economy growth" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9doIpIrXMv2UwguWrhyaMq9ZgrpTWkEI3dguqn6GsXr9qt9bTEeQ7ZdlCvE8U1Ix.jpg" alt="economy growth" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9doIpIrXMv2UwguWrhyaMq9ZgrpTWkEI3dguqn6GsXr9qt9bTEeQ7ZdlCvE8U1Ix.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><h3>Voter Engagement and Participation</h3>California’s primary serves as a catalyst for voter engagement, given its diverse population. This often results in robust voter turnout, setting a benchmark for the rest of the country. Initiatives like mail-in voting and early voting have proven successful and serve as models for other states.These engagement efforts underscore the significance of every vote and encourage civic participation. Active involvement is crucial for a healthy democracy, ensuring that elected officials represent the interests of their constituents. <span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(48px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(48px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal);">Conclusion In conclusion, California’s primary is a pivotal event with significant implications. Its outcomes shape national political agendas and influence economic conditions, impacting the entire nation. As voters participate in this process, they contribute to a vibrant democratic system that reflects the diverse voices and interests of California, the nation’s most populous state.

The Impact of Elections: Why California's Primary Matters

<h3> The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee presents</h3>A Roadmap for the Equal Rights Amendment A century in the making — the Equal Rights Amendment represents the unfinished work of American democracy. &nbsp; SB WOMEN'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE MAR 17, 202<h3>The Case for the ERA</h3>The Unfinished Promise: Why the ERA Remains CrucialThe Equal Rights Amendment, first proposed in 1923 by Alice Paul, states: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Despite passing Congress in 1972, it fell short of the required 38 state ratifications by the 1982 deadline — leaving sex-based equality implied rather than explicitly enshrined.The Supreme Court’s 14th Amendment interpretations offer limited and reversible protections. The ERA would provide an unambiguous constitutional foundation for addressing gender-based violence, workplace inequality, educational disparities, and reproductive rights.<h3>What the ERA Would Protect</h3><ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Gender-based violence laws</li><li>Workplace pay equity</li><li>Educational access &amp; fairness</li><li>Reproductive rights</li><li>International credibility on equality &nbsp; </li></ul><a data-mce-href="https://sbwpc.substack.com/p/the-santa-barbara-womens-political" href="https://sbwpc.substack.com/p/the-santa-barbara-womens-political">Read More</a>

EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT 

<figure id="figure-1crl2pva4bmmo6yhyuz" class=""><img id="1crl2pva4bmmo6yhyuz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24Ybt7q7bUOFxSU3nTTiX8MOmIt3VBaCDPqcu2c9vZOA4pQiY9DJBi0qA4yp6Z5r.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24Ybt7q7bUOFxSU3nTTiX8MOmIt3VBaCDPqcu2c9vZOA4pQiY9DJBi0qA4yp6Z5r.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Case for the ERA The Unfinished Promise: Why the ERA Remains CrucialThe Equal Rights Amendment, first proposed in 1923 by Alice Paul, states: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Despite passing Congress in 1972, it fell short of the required 38 state ratifications by the 1982 deadline — leaving sex-based equality implied rather than explicitly enshrined.The Supreme Court’s 14th Amendment interpretations offer limited and reversible protections. The ERA would provide an unambiguous constitutional foundation for addressing gender-based violence, workplace inequality, educational disparities, and reproductive rights.&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://sbwpc.substack.com/p/the-santa-barbara-womens-political" href="https://sbwpc.substack.com/p/the-santa-barbara-womens-political" title="Read Article Here" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">﻿Read More</a>

The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee presents: A Roadmap for the Equal Rights Amendment

Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee

Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee. Inclusive, intersectional, progressive feminist values shape all our positions and drive our strategies. As a non-partisan political action committee, the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee endorses candidates who support its positions and promote a feminist agenda. SBWPC is committed to taking social action against discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age or ability.

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Voter Guide

Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee Endorsed Candid...

California Gubernatorial Race

The Impact of Elections: Why California's Primary Matters

EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT

The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee presents: A...