For the 2024 election, we are using two positive designations for candidates: endorsed and recommended. We have given the “endorsed” designation to our true champions – those elected officials that have received our endorsement previously and have shown an unwavering commitment to advancing the values outlined in the Riveters Collective platform. The “recommended” designation identifies the candidate we believe to be more likely than the other candidates in a given race to align with our platform, a democratic agenda, or advance equitable solutions.
To learn how our current elected officials voted during the 2024 legislative session, check out the Whatcom Democrat’s Vote Tracker or Vote Smart.
Endorsed Candidates
40th Legislative District Representatives
Representative Debra Lekanoff continues to impress with her thoughtful and collaborative leadership. In her time in office, she has fought for environmental protections and behavioral health programs, and she has prioritized investments in education, workforce development, and public safety. In her written response to our endorsement questionnaire, Representative Lekanoff shared the following: “At the heart of my values is a steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship and preserving essential resources like salmon, forests, habitats, and water. These elements are not only vital to the wellbeing of Native American communities but also serve as the lifeblood that sustains our cultural, behavioral, mental, and social health. By safeguarding our people, we protect the environment and the interconnected lifelines of nature, such as salmon, cedar trees, and deer, from the disruptive forces of climate change and environmental degradation.” We share Representative Lekanoff’s view of the interconnectedness of all things, and we are excited to see her continue her work in Olympia.
Representative Alex Ramel continues to be an effective and forward-thinking legislator, working actively to introduce and/or support legislation to increase housing supply, make tax policy more progressive, increase funding for schools, advocate for native tribes, and push forward climate solutions. We appreciate his close alignment with the Riveters Collective platform and his leadership in the legislature to advance progressive policies in all areas. Representative Ramel has our enthusiastic endorsement for reelection.
40th Legislative District Senator
With her energetic, practical, and collaborative leadership in the legislature, Representative Liz Lovelett has built a solid record of support for environmental justice, reproductive freedom, immigrant and farmworker rights, Tribal sovereignty, youth services, and housing. Rep. Lovelett is a true champion of the Riveters Collective platform and we are excited to endorse her for reelection.
42nd Legislative District Representatives
In his first term in office, Representative Joe Timmons worked effectively to lower the cost of living for seniors by spearheading legislation that decreases the cost of meals for seniors living in care facilities. He also worked to expand opportunities for students by helping to secure funding for a new skills center at Meridian High School and by establishing a low-interest rate student loan program for graduate students. Rep. Timmons is a strong advocate for reproductive health rights and voted to ban assault weapons in Washington. We enthusiastically endorse Rep. Timmons and look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in his next term in Olympia.
Recommendations
Whatcom County PUD Commissioner
- District 1 – Eddy Ury
- District 2 – Atul Deshmane
42nd Legislative District Representative
- Alicia Rule
Whatcom County Charter Review Commissioners
The following candidates champion Riveters Collective values, are progressive community activists, or have been endorsed by the Riveters Collective during previous elections.
District 1 (south Bellingham)
- Liz Darrow
- Andrew Reding
- Joel Pitts-Jordan
District 2 (north Bellingham)
- Colton Kaltenfeldt
- Eamonn Collins
- Maya Morales
District 3 (eastern county including Deming, Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas)
- Jennifer Wright
- Kelly Krieger
- Jessica Rienstra
District 4 (north county including Custer, Laurel, Lynden, and Bellingham International Airport)
- Katherine Orlowski
- J.G. Sandy Phillips
- Ryan Bowman
District 5 (western county including Blaine, Birch Bay, Ferndale, Lummi Island, and Point Roberts)
- Teresa N. Taylor
- Charlene Waters
- Andrew Hansen
State Supreme Court Justice Position #2
- Sal Mungia
Vote NO on Initiatives
- NO on I-2019
- NO on I-2117
- NO on I-2124
- NO on I-2066