Valencia Feels ‘Immense Gratitude’ After 5th District Supervisor Win

Ricardo Valencia will be the next supervisor representing Santa Barbara County’s Fifth District. Valencia expanded his lead over his opponent, Maribel Aguilera, after Thursday’s updated election results, with 53.7% of the vote. He received 7,586 votes compared to Aguilera’s 6,452. On election night, Valencia emerged as the leader in the race. His advantage grew as the county Elections Office released updated results. Valencia will take over the seat currently held by Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, who announced he would retire when his term expires at the end of the year. Lavagnino has served on the Board of Supervisors for 16 years. Valencia said Friday that he is thankful for the voters who supported him throughout the campaign. “I’m feeling an immense amount of gratitude for the trust and faith and investment that the people of Guadalupe, Santa Maria and Tanglewood have made in our campaign,” Valencia said.

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