SB County Dems Announce Endorsement Meeting for Buellton Special Election

Christian Alonso, Chair of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, announced that the endorsement process for the Buellton City Council Special Election on August 29, 2025 is now underway.

The Santa Barbara County Democratic Party will consider an early endorsement for this critical race at its March 6, 2025 meeting in Buellton. Alonso stated that, “Democrats interested in seeking our endorsement should contact our Endorsement Chair at endorsements@sbdems.org to begin the process, including submission of a candidate questionnaire.”

This special election presents unique challenges, including an off-year, all-mail ballot race in a relatively small city council district. Given these factors, an early endorsement will help ensure our Democratic candidate will have the resources and support needed to run a strong campaign.

For updates and more information about the Democratic Party and its endorsement process, visit www.sbdems.org/run.

Alonso added, “We encourage all eligible candidates to step forward and help shape the future of Buellton.”

Santa Barbara County Democratic Party Elects New Chair Following Special Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 3rd, 2025

Santa Barbara, CA — The Santa Barbara County Democratic Party is proud to announce the election of Christian Alonso as its new Chair after a special election held on January 2nd, 2025. 

Alonso was elected by the Party’s central committee members following the departure of Party Chair Darcél Elliott after many years of dedicated service.  As Chair, he will be responsible for steering the Party’s strategic vision, mobilizing volunteers, and advancing Democratic values across Santa Barbara County.

“We find ourselves in challenging times to say the least,” said Alonso. “With Trump returning to the White House and Republicans in the majority, we face unprecedented threats to the values we hold dear — from abortion rights and racial justice to climate action and LGBTQ+ rights. Now more than ever, we must lock arms to protect vulnerable people in our communities and uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions. I am honored to lead our Party in this fight alongside our dedicated members and volunteers.”

Alonso formerly served as the Director of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood California Central Coast and President of the Santa Barbara Young Democrats.  Currently, he lives in the City of Santa Barbara with his fiancé Clayton and works in the local technology industry.

The Party expressed gratitude to Darcél Elliott for her years of service. Under her leadership, the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party made significant strides in voter engagement and electoral success, and the organization looks forward to building on that foundation.

“I am so thankful to Darcél for all she has done for me personally, the party, and our community over her distinguished career,” said Alonso.  “We wish her the very best on the next phase of her journey and we are ready to move forward with the strong foundation she has helped us build.

About the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party

The Santa Barbara County Democratic Party is dedicated to promoting progressive values, supporting Democratic candidates, and ensuring that the voices of all communities are heard in the democratic process. Through grassroots organizing, voter education, and coalition-building, the Party works tirelessly to strengthen democracy at the local level.

For more information, please contact:

info@sbdems.org