Matt Kilrain

Candidate for City of Santa Barbara Mayor (Santa Barbara County) · November 3, 2026

About this race

The city's top elected official. Depending on the city charter, either runs city government ("strong mayor") or leads the city commission alongside a hired city manager.

4 candidates ran for City of Santa Barbara Mayor (Santa Barbara County) in the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Santa Barbara voters.

About Matt Kilrain

A Santa Barbara waterfront resident and advocate known locally as "Boat Rat Matt," who moved to the city in 1989. He also ran for mayor in 2021.

What they say they'll focus on:

  • Cycling safety for children and adults
  • Community unity
  • City Hall reform
  • Establishing a local currency

Summarized in our words from source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4, checked October 2026. Not an endorsement.

Where they stand

This is a nonpartisan race, so we don't estimate where candidates fall from their campaign materials or look up their personal voter registration. We'd place Matt Kilrain only with a published academic score (from a voting record or campaign donors), and we haven't found one we can reliably source.

We haven't found a campaign site or candidate questionnaire for Matt Kilrain yet. What they say they'll focus on is listed above.

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Quick answers

What does the City of Santa Barbara Mayor seat do?
The city's top elected official. Depending on the city charter, either runs city government ("strong mayor") or leads the city commission alongside a hired city manager.
Who is Matt Kilrain running against?
Eric Friedman, Wendy Sims-Moten and Kristen W. Sneddon, for City of Santa Barbara Mayor (Santa Barbara County).
Should I vote for Matt Kilrain?
SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare Matt Kilrain's record, funding and endorsements with the other candidates in this race and decide based on what matters to you.
See your members of Congress and every race and measure on your ballot in Santa Barbara County, from your address. Your address stays in your browser.Look up my races

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