Watch: Here’s the Full (Well-Produced!) Video of the First Debate of the Santa Barbara Mayor’s Race

The candidates to succeed Mayor Randy Rowse discussed and disputed finances, the future of downtown, rent control and other key issues facing the city.

Thanks to our partners at TV Santa Barbara, the complete recording of last week’s 2026 Mayoral Candidate Debate was released on Wednesday.

With soaring music! And titles! All 1:13:36 of it!

As leading candidates Eric Friedman, Wendy Sims-Moten and Kristen Sneddon head into the final eight weeks of the campaign, the debate serves as a first touchstone for voters seeking more information about contenders who want to be their next mayor.

The balance of power at City Hall is up for grabs, with the at-large mayor’s office, plus three neighborhood district council seats, on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Check out the complete debate via YouTube below or by clicking this link.

The event also is available audio-only via our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or SoundCloud.

TVSB, Channel 17, airs Newsmakers TV every weeknight at 5 p.m. and at 9 a.m. on weekends. KCSB, 91.9 FM, broadcasts our program at 5:30 p.m. on weekends.