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Women’s Political Committee Launches Education Campaign to Raise Awareness About Amendment’s Unresolved Legal Status. By Ella Heydenfeldt

Santa Barbara Advocates Renew Push for Equal Rights Amendment as Legal Uncertainty Persists

By Patricia Stark. Steering committee members credit success of multiple 2025 protests to a deeply worried electorate and committed community groups. By Patricia Stark


Who is Indivisible SB? Meet the team behind Saturday’s No Kings 3 rally in Santa Barbara

By Christina Pizarro and Claudette Roehrig

Stand Together

By Christina Pizarro and Claudette Roehrig


On ICE and the City

Members of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee wave flags and wave to cars during Monday night’s candlelight vigil in Santa Barbara. By Aston Smith

Candlelight vigil mourns victims of ICE killings and violence in Minnesota

Champions of Women’s Rights

On the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, hundreds of people gathered on January 22 for the 7th annual Women’s March.

Hundreds Join Women’s March in Downtown Santa Barbara

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<h3>California Gubernatorial Snapshot</h3>April 2026 Polling Snapshot (CBS/RealClear/Ballot Book) The latest CBS News poll, released April 27, 2026, and aggregated polling data reveals a highly fluid race with the undecided electorate representing the largest block of voters. The race for the June 2nd primary remains fluid.Current Standings The following table outlines voter support for the primary candidates based on the poll's topline results: (As of May 10, 2026)&nbsp;<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Candidate</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Party</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">&nbsp;Support (%) </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Undecided</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">-</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">&nbsp;31% </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Steve Hilton</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">R</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">16%</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Tom Steyer</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">D</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">15%</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Xavier Becerra</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">D</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">13%</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Chad Bianco</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">R</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">13%</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Katie Porter</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">D</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">12%</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Matt Mahan</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">D</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">4%</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Antonio Villaraigosa</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">D</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">4%</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">Tony Thurmond</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">D</td><td style="width: 33.334961%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.334961%;">1%</td></tr></tbody></table>*Note: Betty Yee dropped out of the race on April 20.*<h3>Key Analysis</h3> The Undecided Factor: At 31%, the undecided electorate remains the largest block, suggesting a highly fluid race, with a significant share of primary voters still uncommitted. The Democratic Split &amp; Lockout Risk: The Democratic vote remains heavily divided. This fragmentation continues to pose a risk of a "nightmare scenario" where two Republicans could potentially advance to the June 2nd general election runoff. Democratic leaders have publicly urged "non-viable" candidates to withdraw to mitigate this risk. Becerra’s Surge: Following Eric Swalwell's exit and Betty Yee's departure, Xavier Becerra has surged to 13% support in the latest polls, consolidating establishment and Latino support. A new state party poll even shows him tied with Tom Steyer at 13%. However, his abrupt rise has reportedly been met with "incredulity and mockery" by former Biden administration colleagues who found him ineffective as HHS Secretary. Republican Dynamics: Steve Hilton (16%) and Chad Bianco (13%) hold significant positions. Despite President Trump's endorsement of Hilton on April 6, 2026, Republican delegates at the State Convention refused to back him, highlighting intra-party conflict. Bianco plans to attack Hilton, grouping him with Democrats as a "political insider". Furthermore, a new PAC, 'Greater Golden State Opposing Steve Hilton', backed by the Democratic Governors Association, has emerged.<h3>Voter Issue Landscape</h3> Voters identified the following 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. Governance Concerns: Threats to democracy were noted by 9.7% of respondents. Safety and Immigration: Crime (6.4%) and immigration (6.0%) follow as significant secondary concerns. The race has intensified following recent candidate departures, with major endorsements and financial resources consolidating around the front-runners.<h3>Latest Developments</h3> Campaign Finance: Tom Steyer is dominating the airwaves with a $120 million advertising blitz. Matt Mahan’s supporting Super PAC, "Back to Basics," launched a $14 million ad buy, bringing his total raised to $22 million, second only to Steyer. Katie Porter raised over $1 million from grassroots donors in five days following the Swalwell fallout, and a new Independent Expenditure committee is now launching a statewide buy touting her congressional record, including the whiteboard, and her support for single-payer health care and eliminating income tax for those making less than $100,000/year. A new PAC, 'Greater Golden State Opposing Steve Hilton', backed by the Democratic Governors Association, has also emerged. <h3>Key Endorsements for Democratic Front-Runners Katie Porter (D)</h3>Political Leaders: U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris. Labor Unions: Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 9, Teamsters California, United Auto Workers (UAW), National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), and SMART. Advocacy &amp; Women's Groups: EMILYs List, Fund Her, and Vote Mama PAC. Coalitions: The California Labor Federation (split endorsement) and Orange County Employees Association (OCEA).&nbsp; <h3>Tom Steyer (D)</h3>Political Leaders: Former state Controller Betty Yee and Assemblymembers Nick Schultz, Tasha Boerner, and Corey Jackson. Statewide Organizations: California Teachers Association (CTA), Courage California, and Our Revolution (Bernie Sanders-aligned). Coalitions: The California Labor Federation (split endorsement). <h3>Xavier Becerra (D)</h3>Political Allies: Newsom allies, including the digital firm LaMont Digital. Demographic Support: Actively consolidating Latino and establishment support across the state. <h3>Campaign Dynamics &amp; Latest News (as of May 10, 2026) </h3><h3>Recent Debates and Endorsement Information </h3>May 5 Debate: A primary debate aired on Tuesday, May 5, hosted by CNN. April 28 Debate: A primary debate was held on Tuesday, April 28, hosted by Pomona College. April 29 Endorsement Meeting: The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee (SBWPC) held its Endorsement and Advocacy (E&amp;A) meeting on Wednesday, April 29, to deliberate on state race endorsements. The committee did not reach an endorsement.Housing Focus: The four leading Democratic candidates for governor—Steyer, Becerra, Porter, and Mahan—are all making big promises to fix California’s intractable housing affordability problems. Survey Methodology Sample Size: 1,000 respondents. Date Conducted: The most recent poll (CBS News) was released April 27, 2026. Earlier Polling Reference: The original Emerson College Polling data remains a reference for trends and was updated as of April 16, 2026. Lead Researcher: Emerson College Polling. Sources Used Runoff Risk Analysis: <a data-mce-href="https://sbwpc.substack.com/s/endorsement-updates/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=menu" href="https://sbwpc.substack.com/s/endorsement-updates/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=menu">SBWPC Substack.</a> Official Primary 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">California Secretary of State</a>. SBWPC Organization Info: <a data-mce-href="http://www.sbwpc.org/" href="http://www.sbwpc.org/">Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee.</a> Latest Gubernatorial Analysis: <a data-mce-href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook" href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook">POLITICO California Playbook.</a><h3>Should I Hold on to my Ballot?&nbsp;</h3>The question now is whether you should submit your ballot or hold on to it just a bit longer. The race is still developing, but if you’ve made up your mind, go ahead and mail it in. For those who want to observe how the situation changes within the next few weeks, hold on to your ballot and ensure you drop it off at the secure county ballot drop-off locations once a frontrunner emergences. You’re not alone in feeling uncertain. You’re part of the over 23 percent undecided whose vote will significantly impact the outcome of the race once your ballot is cast. Regardless of your decision, make sure you exercise your right to vote.&nbsp;<img id="ytkbe8cas9mp0phleg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/6cJqOcg5eOEcAPriouA5CUmhZMnjfQ2ppQkenuhjN97Tjp91kh1W4C4yGlHGqej0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/6cJqOcg5eOEcAPriouA5CUmhZMnjfQ2ppQkenuhjN97Tjp91kh1W4C4yGlHGqej0.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;">

Your Ballot is Your Power

Published April 22, 2026. Updated April 29th, 2026Election 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.<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" data-mce-selected="1"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><h3>Federal Race&nbsp;</h3>U.S. House of Representatives, 24th District&nbsp;</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Salud Carbajal</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>California Statewide Candidates</h3><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">California Governor&nbsp;</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">No Endorsement</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">California Lieutenant Governor&nbsp;</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Fiona Ma</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">California Attorney General&nbsp;</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Rob Bonta</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">California Secretary of State</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Shirley Weber &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">California State Controller</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Malia Cohen &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">California State Treasurer</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Anna Caballero</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">California Superintendent of Schools</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">No Endorsement</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">CA State Assembly, 37th District</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Gregg Hart</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Local Santa Barbara County Races </h3><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">SB County Supervisor, District 2</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Laura Capps</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">SB County Clerk-Recorder Assessor</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Melinda Greene</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">SB County Auditor-Controller&nbsp;</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Kyle Slattery</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Important Voter Information </h3>Election Day: June 2, 2026Mission: 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.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">Check out Official 2026 California Primary Here</a>

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

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.