About Me

MEET MARIBEL

Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez 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.

Deep Roots in the Community

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 understands the challenges facing working families because she lives them every day.

From the Fields to the Courtroom: A Journey of Determination

Born to immigrant parents from Michoacán, Mexico, Maribel’s story begins in the strawberry fields of Santa Barbara County. While other children were at home after school, 5-year-old Maribel was helping her family arrange baskets and pick strawberries, learning the value of hard work and family solidarity that would guide her throughout her life.

Maribel’s family moved frequently, following agricultural work. Her family settled permanently in Santa Maria, making their home in the very neighborhoods of the 5th District she now seeks to represent. She attended Fairlawn Elementary, Battles Elementary, El Camino Junior High, and Santa Maria High School, building lifelong connections with her community.

Education

Maribel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from La Sierra University before returning to Santa Barbara County to attend Santa Barbara College of Law. While working full-time for Legal Aid Foundation, she attended law school at night, commuting an hour each way to Santa Barbara. Her dedication and leadership abilities were recognized when her peers elected her Student Bar President.

Fighting for Opportunities

Since passing the California Bar, Maribel has dedicated her career to serving both the business community and the most vulnerable members of society. As a solo practitioner and former partner at Kirk & Simas law firm, she has negotiated complex commercial transactions, helped businesses navigate regulations, and supported economic development throughout Santa Barbara County.

Public Service and Community Leadership

Maribel’s commitment to public service extends beyond her legal practice. Maribel was appointed to Santa Maria’s Planning Commission in 2015, where she gained invaluable experience in land use, development, and community planning. She served on the planning commission for 8 years until she was elected to the Santa Maria City Council in 2023.

In 2024 she was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem. 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 fully funded and staffed it’s fire and police departments, invested in infrastructure repairs and improvements, worked collaboratively with community organizations to help tackle the homelessness crisis, and brought new jobs and 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, Legal Aid Foundation Committee, Former advocate with North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, Former Youth program coordinator with Future Leaders of America

Vision for the 5th District

Maribel 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, Maribel will bring the same tenacity, intelligence, and community focus that has defined her legal career. She will fight for policies that create opportunities while protecting the most vulnerable, ensure that the government serves all residents, and work tirelessly to build a community where every child can achieve their dreams.

The Choice is Clear

The 5th District needs a Supervisor who understands both boardrooms and courtrooms, strawberry fields and city halls, public housing and private law practice.

Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez is not just the best choice for 5th District Supervisor—she is the only choice that truly represents the hopes, struggles, and dreams of the families she seeks to serve.

Vote for experience. Vote for integrity. Vote for someone who will never forget where she came from or the community that made her success possible.