Leon and Mary Lewandowski are revered local educators in Santa Barbara who have been married for over 30 years. Now they are in the running to become America’s Favorite Couple through a contest by Variety Magazine. At the moment, they are in first place in their category, requiring more public votes to secure the $20,000 prize that they will be using to travel and support their two daughters’ dreams of living abroad and working on social justice reform.
Highlights
- The Lewandowskis are a rare couple whose love has endured for over 3 decades.
- Mary and Leon are now in the running to win $20,000 as Variety Magazine’s “America’s Favorite Couple” contest.
- The two met during their time at UC Santa Barbara and are hoping to use the prize money for travel and to support their daughters’ global aspirations.
The True Story Behind Santa Barbara’s Beloved Sweethearts
In an era of fledgling relationships and high-profile breakups, the Lewandowskis are proof that love is not fleeting. Their story goes all the way back to their time in UC Santa Barbara, when Leon knocked on Mary’s dorm room wearing a faux “UCSB Welcoming Team” badge. At the time, they were both in separate relationships. But the playful introduction was all that was required to spark the beginning of a lifelong romance.
Mary recalls that Leon was not someone she liked immediately. But over time, she grew to like him truly. Their first date happened over two years later. This also coincided with Valentine’s Day.
Leon and Mary’s chemistry is a rarity in today’s day and age, and their relationship isn’t without its ups and downs. However, to this day, their connection is rooted in humor, mutual respect, and an enduring love, even earning them a finalist spot in Variety’s national contest for “America’s Favorite Couple.”
To support Santa Barbara’s favorite couple, visit Variety’s official website for the contest and vote for Leon and Mary Lewandowski by Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 7 p.m. PDT—the first-round voting deadline.
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They seem lovely and this is a cute writeup. That said, these contests are generally scammy, that’s why they advertise to get folks to sign up. There IS a winner, but any contest that allows you to buy votes is not a good one and only exists to benefit its organizers. Even the way they set up the standings is manipulative. You aren’t in 3rd place overall, but 3rd in your “group”, with untold number of “groups” and “rounds” remaining. Use your free votes but never buy votes for these, it’s a waste of money.
Same goes for the America’s Favorite Pet racket.