So far, in the most competitive race Santa Barbara County’s 5th District has seen in more than a decade, things aren’t looking very competitive at all.
Santa Maria City Councilmember Maribel Aguilera has almost raised more than her two opponents combined. With what she says is $98,000 in the bank, she’s prepared to give dollars back to some of her more controversial donors.
This includes $1,000 from Sable Offshore Oil Corp Government Affairs Liaison Lee Danielson. Taking dollars from what might possibly be the most controversial oil company in Santa Barbara County history—which is saying something if you consider all the havoc that Greka Inc. has wreaked in its leaky, environmentally damaging history—isn’t going to fly very well in some county circles.
And, it doesn’t fly with Aguilera either.
“I’ve instructed my team to return that money,” she said. “I did call him—I didn’t want to be rude—and I said, ‘Hey, thank you for sending it, but I just want you to know I’m not taking any money related to oil.’ Let’s just keep that clear because it just creates a messy situation.”
Messy, indeed.
A former Santa Maria Energy VP also donated $1,000 to her campaign. The now-defunct company was a big player betting on Orcutt’s oil future more than a decade ago. She said she’s not sure about that one.
I wouldn’t be either, but Aguilera the attorney has tried cases for oil companies in the past—so her choice to distance herself is interesting. Aguilera’s campaign website skips over that detail, although at least it has some information on it. I can’t say the same for one of her opponents.
Cory Bantilan’s website is void of any information at all, except a giant donation button, of course. No word on what kind of donations he’ll be returning yet, but his campaign raised $43,000 in 2025.
Oil is a hot topic, especially considering the direction that Laura Capps is hoping to push the county alongside her South County colleagues: to get rid of it altogether. North County isn’t so keen on the idea for obvious reasons.
Ricardo Valencia, a Santa Maria-Bonita School District board member who’s also running for that 5th District seat, said he isn’t taking money from big corporations or special interests. He raised $48,000 in donations during 2025 and is very clear about his priorities, including protesting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in Santa Maria, supporting immigrant communities, and advocating for affordability.
“This campaign is powered by hardworking people from Santa Maria and Guadalupe who believe they deserve a real voice,” Valencia said. “We’re building something bigger than a campaign—a movement where everyday people have the courage to step up, engage in politics, and shape the decisions that impact their lives for the good of everyone who calls Santa Barbara County home.”
I don’t know what’s going to happen, but three people running for a seat that’s gone uncontested for the last few election cycles is exciting! Choosing a representative should come with a choice.
I’ll be here watching and weighing in, popcorn at the ready.
The Canary chooses salted butter for the popcorn. Send other choices to canary@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in February 19 – February 26, 2026.
Valencia for Supervisor all the way. Rich girl Maribel has oil on her hands. Yuck.
I was very impressed when I first met Maribel at a Chamber of Commerce event two years ago. Maribel’s story of success is, to put it mildly, a great American success story. She worked hard, studied hard and dared to dream and succeed. These are admirable traits for anyone. Maribel has been involved in the most successful part of Santa Barbara County’s long and historic success in the oil and gas industry. Arguably the business that built Santa Barbara. From that event she moved onto Law School and eventually a practicing attorney.
Every citizen can legally support and give money freely to whomever he or she pleases. Frankly trying to “shame” a candidate for exercising their 1st Amendment Rights while denying another citizen from exercising his 1st Amendment Rights is really bad form and plain UnAmerican at its core.
There are many people on the other side who have given to their candidate of choice. In my case I felt strongly supporting Maribel’s candidacy and my donation was from my personal funds and has nothing to do with my association with the Sable Offshore Corporation that I am very proud to be a part of.
I am sorry that Maribel felt she was forced by others to deny a perfectly innocent and appropriate recognition of her accomplishments. I wish her best.
Lee Danielson
Free speech is not always so “Free”. But, I did choose to give my Personal money to Maribel Aguilar based on a meeting I had with her two years ago at a Chamber of Commerce event. I found her engaging, intelligent, driven and someone who seemed to have common sense. The attempt to bully Maribel is exactly that. You take money for what you do. Perhaps you should do it for free. Such hypocrisy from the left at every turn. My contribution to any candidate is based on integrity and not what they can do for me. Lighten up. Good luck Maribel and Cory. Deal with problems and never lose sight of the American Dream. The other side are just pawns of the “machine”.