ENDORSEMENTS
In 2026, our core mission has been to focus on local justice issues. For that reason, our Endorsement Committee chose to complete a full endorsement process for only one local race – the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney.
Jesse Corkern stood out for his clear and honest vision. He addressed the office’s cultural challenges directly, framing staff morale and retention as a leadership responsibility. This was backed by a track record of identifying, then working toward solutions from within the office. He pairs that experience with fresh recruitment and retention ideas to address case backlogs and staff attrition, including structural changes built around the strengths and interests of the individual staff.
On data, Corkern promised to use it to make and measure policy efficacy. He was the only candidate to clearly state that the prosecutor’s office is far behind in data collection, visibility, and use. He matched that honesty with a real commitment: a dedicated data employee and a real-time, public-facing interactive dashboard to help policy makers with their decisions and let residents hold the office accountable. He brings that same forthrightness to prosecutorial discretion and the need to address low-level, nonviolent offenders through a Community Court – a philosophy that sees the office’s power as a tool for justice, not just punishment
RECOMMENDATIONS
Washington State Supreme Court Justices
It’s never been more important to vote in state Supreme Court Justice races. Here’s how we’re voting:
- Position 1: Justice Colleen Melody
- Position 3: Judge Jaime Hawk
- Position 4: Judge Ian Birk
- Position 5: Justice Theo Angelis
- Position 7: Justice Debra Stephens
Port of Bellingham
Voters expanded the Port Commission from three to five seats last year and we’ll fill these two new districts, Districts 4 and 5, with our votes from this election. All Whatcom County voters get a ballot for both races, regardless of which district they live in.Port Commissioners may play an important role over the future expansion of countywide broadband.
- District 4 (Ferndale, Lynden, and the unincorporated county between Lummi and the Canadian border) – We recommend Tor Benson.
- District 5 (east Whatcom County, including Everson): We recommend Chris Elder.
Public Utility District 1
PUD Commissioners consider policies and rate increases affected by climate change and the growing demands for water and power in our community. Puget Sound Energy’s residential electricity rates could go up 16.75% in 2027. The State attorney general challenges the rate increase proposal; public comment solicited.
- Commissioner District 1: We recommend Eddy Ury
US Congress
- Congressional District 2: U.S. Representative Rick Larsen
City of Bellingham Initiatives
We recommend voting YES on all of the City of Bellingham Initiatives.
- Initiative 26-01 would ban algorithmic rent-pricing software, which landlords use to coordinate rental prices across properties. Placed on the ballot by a Community First Whatcom citizen petition after the City Council declined to adopt it outright. We recommend voting Yes on this initiative.
- Proposition 2026-06 would let the independent Salary Commission set the mayor’s pay, rather than tying it by charter to the city’s highest-paid employee, a rule that’s pushed the mayor’s salary above Seattle’s. This issue was referred to voters by the City Council. We recommend voting Yes on this proposition.
- Proposition 2026-07 would allow electronic signatures in the city’s contract review process. This is a procedural update, referred to voters by the City Council. We recommend voting Yes on this proposition.
Washington State Legislature
Legislative District 40
- Debra Lekanoff, State Rep. Position 1
- Alex Ramel, State Rep. Position 2
Legislative District 42
- Michael Shepard, State Senator
- Alicia Rule, State Rep. Position 1
- Joe Timmons, State Rep. Position 2
Washington State Initiatives
Voters will decide on three statewide initiatives this year. Caution: the “double negative” wording on the ballot is confusing. To assist progressive voters, we make the following recommendations:
- Vote No on I-001 to prevent the removal of common sense school record protections for victims of child abuse
- Vote No on I-638 to prevent subjecting girls to invasive genital exams to play sports
- Vote No on I-645 to prevent the repeal of the Millionaire’s Tax