The Santa Barbara County Democratic Party (SBCDP) has announced its endorsement of Kyle Slattery for county auditor-controller.

“After a thorough endorsement process, party members voted last night to support Slattery based on his extensive experience in public finance; clear commitment to transparency and accountability’ and demonstrated alignment with Democratic values of equity, fairness, and effective government,” SBCDP said.

Slattery, a lifelong Santa Barbara County resident and Certified Public Accountant, has spent his career safeguarding public resources and modernizing government systems, the party said.

He began his county service as an intern in the Auditor-Controller’s Office, later serving as chief deputy controller, and most recently as deputy chief information officer, where he helped lead efforts to modernize the county’s financial systems.

“The next few years will require careful planning and tough choices,” said Christian Alonso, chair of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party.

“Kyle has the experience and judgment to help the county navigate budget constraints while protecting workers, maintaining services people rely on, and keeping the public informed,” Alonso said.

Slattery has emphasized the importance of finishing long-delayed financial system upgrades, strengthening safeguards against fraud and waste, and ensuring county financial data is understandable to residents and decision-makers alike, SBCDP said.

“He has also made clear that equity, inclusion and accountability must be reflected not just in policy statements, but in how government systems actually function day to day,” according to the endorsement.

For more about the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, visit www.sbdems.org.