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Maribel Aguilera is not just a candidate for 5th District Supervisor—she is the embodiment of the American Dream and a true representative of the families she seeks to serve. Maribel brings a unique combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep community roots that make her uniquely qualified to represent the diverse community of Santa Maria and Guadalupe
Maribel lives in Santa Maria with her husband and their 8-year-old daughter. Her extended family lives throughout the 5th District, giving her daily connection to the concerns and aspirations of her constituents. She serves on the Santa Maria City Council. She understands the challenges facing working families because she lives them every day.
Born to immigrant parents from Michoacán, Mexico, Maribel’s story begins in the strawberry fields of Santa Barbara County. When Maribel was 5 years old she helped her family pick strawberries. She learned the value of hard work and family solidarity that has guided her throughout her life.
Her family settled in Santa Maria in the 80’s, in the very neighborhoods of the 5th District. She attended Fairlawn Elementary, Robert Bruce Elementary, El Camino Junior High, and Santa Maria High School, building lifelong connections.
Maribel left Santa Maria to attend college. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and upon graduation returned back to Santa Maria to serve her community by working at non profit organizations like North County Rape Crisis, Future Leaders of America and Legal Aid Foundation. While working full time at Legal Aid Foundation she began law school at night.
Maribel has dedicated her career to serving both the business community and the most vulnerable families. As a solo practitioner and former partner at Kirk & Simas law firm, she has negotiated commercial transactions, helped small businesses, and supported economic development throughout Santa Barbara County.
Maribel’s commitment to public service extends beyond her legal practice. Maribel was appointed to Santa Maria’s Planning Commission in 2015 and served for 8 years. She gained invaluable experience in land use, development, and community planning. She was elected to the Santa Maria City Council in 2023. She was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem 23-24. As a council member, Maribel represents the city of Santa Maria on SBCAG as an alternate to the Mayor of Santa Maria. She brings her analytical skills and community perspective to local governance.
Under Maribel’s leadership, the City of Santa Maria has become a safer place, crime has reduced decreased every year. The city has fully funded and staffed it’s fire and police departments and invested in infrastructure repairs and improvements. She has worked collaboratively with community organizations to clean up the riverbed and help the homelessness crisis. She helped bring new jobs and strengthened the economic development to the city.
Her community involvement includes Board member of the Economic Alliance of Northern Santa Barbara County, Founding member of the Santa Barbara County Women Lawyers Association, Marian Hospital Community Service Board and Legal Aid Foundation Committee.
Maribel has an amazing vision for the 5th district. She brings a unique understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing the 5th District. She has successfully fought for justice in courtrooms, she has never forgotten what it feels like to wonder if your family will have enough money for groceries or whether you belong in spaces where others seem to have advantages you lack.
As County Supervisor, she will fight for the working families of the district. Maribel will bring the same tenacity, intelligence, and community focus that has defined her career.
