Dear Friend,
Check your mailbox – ballots for the 2025 primary election arrive this week! This election features races that will have a big impact on housing affordability, public safety, good public schools, and protecting working Washingtonians from the MAGA regime.
Below is the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2025 primary election – your ticket to highly informed voting based on progressive values. We worked with Washington's leading progressive organizations to research more than 300 candidates and ballot measures across the state.
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City of Bellingham
If this is not your location, go to ProgressiveVotersGuide.com to get your customized guide.
County Council District RacesDepending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
Whatcom County, District 2
Whatcom County Council, District 2
Two good candidates are running for Whatcom County Council from District 2: Elizabeth Boyle and Maya Morales. While both candidates bring strong qualifications to the race, they would lead with different priorities in office. We lean toward Boyle because of her impressive endorsements from local elected officials and progressive advocacy organizations. 
Elizabeth Boyle
Maya MoralesWhatcom County, District 3
Whatcom County Council, District 3
Jessica Rienstra |
Port of Bellingham
Port of Bellingham, Port Commissioner, District #2
Carly James |
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City of Bellingham
If this is not your location, go to ProgressiveVotersGuide.com to get your customized guide.
County Council District Races
Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
Two good candidates are running for Whatcom County Council from District 2: Elizabeth Boyle and Maya Morales. While both candidates bring strong qualifications to the race, they would lead with different priorities in office. We lean toward Boyle because of her impressive endorsements from local elected officials and progressive advocacy organizations.
Elizabeth Boyle
Non-Partisan
Elizabeth Boyle is running for Whatcom County Council, District 2. Boyle has been a resident of Whatcom County for 25 years and has owned a retail and wholesale business. According to her website, she was a school and nonprofit volunteer and "supported vital community health issues."
Boyle's campaign is focused on housing, public health, police reform, and economic development. She is an advocate for progressive solutions to the growing housing crisis, including maximizing in-fill and investing in long-term needs to prevent displacement. Boyle also has a background in public health advocacy, which informs her strategies for improving access to behavioral health care and childcare, with a focus in underserved communities. Additionally, she is a proponent of solutions proposed by the Justice Project to reduce incarceration rates through behavioral health care and diversion programs.
Both candidates in this race are progressive in their own right, with Boyle bringing years of experience as a small business owner and a robust volunteering portfolio. We lean toward Boyle because of her strong endorsements from local leaders and progressive advocacy groups.
Boyle's campaign is focused on housing, public health, police reform, and economic development. She is an advocate for progressive solutions to the growing housing crisis, including maximizing in-fill and investing in long-term needs to prevent displacement. Boyle also has a background in public health advocacy, which informs her strategies for improving access to behavioral health care and childcare, with a focus in underserved communities. Additionally, she is a proponent of solutions proposed by the Justice Project to reduce incarceration rates through behavioral health care and diversion programs.
Both candidates in this race are progressive in their own right, with Boyle bringing years of experience as a small business owner and a robust volunteering portfolio. We lean toward Boyle because of her strong endorsements from local leaders and progressive advocacy groups.
Endorsed By:
Sierra Club, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, Riveters Collective, Bellingham/Whatcom County Firefighters (IAFF Local 106), Whatcom Environmental Voters
Maya Morales
Non-Partisan
Maya Morales, who uses she/they pronouns, is running the Whatcom County Council from District 2. Morales was elected as one of three Whatcom County Charter Review Commissioners representing District 2 in 2024. She also works as a progressive organizer and legislative advocate who helped to pass the 2023 My Health My Data Act to protect patients seeking gender-affirming care and abortion.
Morales is a leader in protecting civil liberties in our county and state, including by founding WA People’s Privacy to defeat a Big Tech data privacy bill and working with People First Bellingham to bring progressive initiatives to the 2021 ballot. She has a clear people-first agenda to ensure all Whatcom voices are heard in county leadership, and if elected, she would become the first openly lesbian and first Latina elected leader in the district.
In our interview, Morales discussed her justice-focused approach to public service, rather than separating policy issues into distinct areas. She recognized the intersectionality of the issues facing Whatcom County and offered an intertwined and thoughtful approach to housing, health, and labor justice. Some of her solutions include improved public transit services, no barrier assistance for those experiencing homelessness and addiction, and fair living wages.
On the County Charter Review Commission, Morales’ priorities included a county-level bill of rights and ranked choice voting. She aims to leverage her years of progressive leadership on the county council to ensure that local government is representative, effective, and responsive to the community.
Morales is a good choice for voters looking for a very progressive, outspoken advocate on the Whatcom County Council.
Morales is a leader in protecting civil liberties in our county and state, including by founding WA People’s Privacy to defeat a Big Tech data privacy bill and working with People First Bellingham to bring progressive initiatives to the 2021 ballot. She has a clear people-first agenda to ensure all Whatcom voices are heard in county leadership, and if elected, she would become the first openly lesbian and first Latina elected leader in the district.
In our interview, Morales discussed her justice-focused approach to public service, rather than separating policy issues into distinct areas. She recognized the intersectionality of the issues facing Whatcom County and offered an intertwined and thoughtful approach to housing, health, and labor justice. Some of her solutions include improved public transit services, no barrier assistance for those experiencing homelessness and addiction, and fair living wages.
On the County Charter Review Commission, Morales’ priorities included a county-level bill of rights and ranked choice voting. She aims to leverage her years of progressive leadership on the county council to ensure that local government is representative, effective, and responsive to the community.
Morales is a good choice for voters looking for a very progressive, outspoken advocate on the Whatcom County Council.
Endorsed By:
Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Campaign website: https://electmaya.vote/?no_akid=1
Endorsements: https://electmaya.vote/Endorsements/?no_akid=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElectMayaMorales/?no_akid=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electmaya/?no_akid=1
Endorsements: https://electmaya.vote/Endorsements/?no_akid=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElectMayaMorales/?no_akid=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electmaya/?no_akid=1
Jessica Rienstra
Non-Partisan
Jessica Rienstra is running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. Rienstra ran successfully for the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission in 2024 and currently serves on the commission.
Her current campaign was inspired by the 2021 Nooksack flood, after she spent weeks helping her community recover from the wreckage. Due to this experience, Rienstra is prioritizing connectivity and infrastructure to not only strengthen her community but to promote emergency preparedness. She is also prioritizing diverse perspectives and equitable service. While her campaign website lacks specific policies she would support or implement, she demonstrates progressive priorities and values.
Rienstra has earned impressive early support from local progressive leaders and organizations. Jessica Rienstra is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, District 3.
Her current campaign was inspired by the 2021 Nooksack flood, after she spent weeks helping her community recover from the wreckage. Due to this experience, Rienstra is prioritizing connectivity and infrastructure to not only strengthen her community but to promote emergency preparedness. She is also prioritizing diverse perspectives and equitable service. While her campaign website lacks specific policies she would support or implement, she demonstrates progressive priorities and values.
Rienstra has earned impressive early support from local progressive leaders and organizations. Jessica Rienstra is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, District 3.
Endorsed By:
Housing Action Fund, Sierra Club, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, Whatcom County Democrats, Bellingham/Whatcom County Firefighters (IAFF Local 106)
Campaign website: https://www.voterienstra.com/?no_akid=1
Endorsements: https://www.voterienstra.com/endorsements?no_akid=1
Endorsements: https://www.voterienstra.com/endorsements?no_akid=1
Other Candidates
Three other candidates are running for Whatcom County Council from District 3: Tyler Byrd, Kyle Christensen, and Daniel Probst. None of them match Rienstra's experience and progressive values.
Conservative incumbent Tyler Byrd is running for a third term on the Whatcom County Council. Byrd joined the council in 2018 and works in strategy for a technology support company, having previously run an internet marketing agency. He is a conservative voice on the council, having previously voted against community coronavirus relief funding, public investments in affordable housing, and measures to mitigate the environmental impact of local fossil fuel shipping.
Byrd has a track record of ignoring community needs in the face of promoting private interests. In 2023, the Cascade Daily reported that for over 80% of required council-related meetings, Byrd was either absent or functionally so by joining without video. Although he has yet to release a campaign platform as of late June, it is clear that he will continue to bring conservative ideas to the council that are out of touch with what Whatcom residents need.
Kyle Christensen is also running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. Christensen was the Mayor of Sumas from 2017-2021 and served as Treasurer for the Tillamook and Umatilla Tribal Volunteer Firefighter Associations. He previously ran as a Republican to represent the 42nd Legislative District in 2022, but did not progress past the primary.
His current campaign for Whatcom County Council is focused on infrastructure and disaster recovery, supporting local businesses, and protecting freedoms, rights, and liberties. His campaign website lacks detailed policies outlining what he would support or implement if elected. Due to his prior run as a Republican, his platform is likely to lean more conservative.
Daniel Probst is the final candidate running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. According to his candidate statement, Probst had a career in trades and ran a small business that "brought talented people together to achieve success." He has also contributed to his community through leading trash cleanups and trail maintenance.
Probst pledged to care for the environment and champion policies to protect clean water for salmon and preserve the outdoors. His platform is based on caring for the land, and he recognized the Coast Salish peoples who originally occupied this area. He is passionate about supporting small businesses, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism economies. However, his platform lacked more detailed proposals and policies he would support and implement if elected.
While we can appreciate Probst's passion for environmental protection, his campaign is too narrow to be representative of Whatcom County. We recommend Jessica Rienstra for her well-rounded campaign.
Conservative incumbent Tyler Byrd is running for a third term on the Whatcom County Council. Byrd joined the council in 2018 and works in strategy for a technology support company, having previously run an internet marketing agency. He is a conservative voice on the council, having previously voted against community coronavirus relief funding, public investments in affordable housing, and measures to mitigate the environmental impact of local fossil fuel shipping.
Byrd has a track record of ignoring community needs in the face of promoting private interests. In 2023, the Cascade Daily reported that for over 80% of required council-related meetings, Byrd was either absent or functionally so by joining without video. Although he has yet to release a campaign platform as of late June, it is clear that he will continue to bring conservative ideas to the council that are out of touch with what Whatcom residents need.
Kyle Christensen is also running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. Christensen was the Mayor of Sumas from 2017-2021 and served as Treasurer for the Tillamook and Umatilla Tribal Volunteer Firefighter Associations. He previously ran as a Republican to represent the 42nd Legislative District in 2022, but did not progress past the primary.
His current campaign for Whatcom County Council is focused on infrastructure and disaster recovery, supporting local businesses, and protecting freedoms, rights, and liberties. His campaign website lacks detailed policies outlining what he would support or implement if elected. Due to his prior run as a Republican, his platform is likely to lean more conservative.
Daniel Probst is the final candidate running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. According to his candidate statement, Probst had a career in trades and ran a small business that "brought talented people together to achieve success." He has also contributed to his community through leading trash cleanups and trail maintenance.
Probst pledged to care for the environment and champion policies to protect clean water for salmon and preserve the outdoors. His platform is based on caring for the land, and he recognized the Coast Salish peoples who originally occupied this area. He is passionate about supporting small businesses, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism economies. However, his platform lacked more detailed proposals and policies he would support and implement if elected.
While we can appreciate Probst's passion for environmental protection, his campaign is too narrow to be representative of Whatcom County. We recommend Jessica Rienstra for her well-rounded campaign.
Carly James
Carly James is challenging incumbent Ken Bell for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2. James is the co-owner of Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress and owns Gold Ink, an accounting and consulting firm.
While James' platform is limited, her campaign is prioritizing entrepreneurship, protecting the shoreline and marine trades, and expanding public access to parks, trails, and community spaces. As a small business owner, she experienced firsthand the challenges of the port and wants to do more to drive economic growth in the area.
Although we would like to see her campaign include more specific policy proposals, we lean towards voting for Carly James for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2.
While James' platform is limited, her campaign is prioritizing entrepreneurship, protecting the shoreline and marine trades, and expanding public access to parks, trails, and community spaces. As a small business owner, she experienced firsthand the challenges of the port and wants to do more to drive economic growth in the area.
Although we would like to see her campaign include more specific policy proposals, we lean towards voting for Carly James for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2.
Campaign website: https://electcarly.com/?no_akid=1
Other Candidates
Incumbent Commissioner Ken Bell is running for another term in District 2 on the Bellingham Port Commission. Formerly a Whatcom County planning commissioner and Whatcom County charter review commissioner, Bell joined the port commission in 2017. He also served as the president of a soil decontamination company outside of office.
Bell is a more conservative voice on the commission and works with the Whatcom Republicans. He has previously been politically affiliated with consultants from a fossil fuel shipping terminal that community members, progressive leaders, and the Lummi Tribe successfully opposed. Bell’s track record on the port commission includes uncompassionate sweeps of homeless encampments on port property as well as supporting private interests and marine trade at the cost of community needs. He is not a progressive choice
Kaylin Bosley is also challenging Bell for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2. Bosley is a local comedian who is actively engaged in the queer community of Bellingham. Unfortunately, Bosley's candidate website is still down as of late June. Her voter guide entry highlights her experience in operating under a tight budget and her desire to ensure the port's long-term prosperity. While we appreciate Kaylin Bosley's enthusiasm, we would have liked to see more specific policy proposals from her.
Bell is a more conservative voice on the commission and works with the Whatcom Republicans. He has previously been politically affiliated with consultants from a fossil fuel shipping terminal that community members, progressive leaders, and the Lummi Tribe successfully opposed. Bell’s track record on the port commission includes uncompassionate sweeps of homeless encampments on port property as well as supporting private interests and marine trade at the cost of community needs. He is not a progressive choice
Kaylin Bosley is also challenging Bell for Bellingham Port Commissioner, District 2. Bosley is a local comedian who is actively engaged in the queer community of Bellingham. Unfortunately, Bosley's candidate website is still down as of late June. Her voter guide entry highlights her experience in operating under a tight budget and her desire to ensure the port's long-term prosperity. While we appreciate Kaylin Bosley's enthusiasm, we would have liked to see more specific policy proposals from her.
Candidate recommendations and digital advertising are paid for by Fuse Votes. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Address: PO Box 4897, Seattle, WA 98194. Top 5 Contributors: SEIU 775 Quality Care Committee, Justice for All PAC, Spokane County Democrats, Washington Conservation Voters Action Fund, Washington State Association for Justice. Top 3 Donors to PAC Contributors: League of Conservation Voters, Inc., Marc Stad, and America Votes.
Ballot measure recommendations are paid for by Fuse Voters. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Address: PO Box 4897, Seattle, WA 98194. Top 5 contributors: SEIU 775 Ballot Fund, David Habib, Margot Dick, Ellen Ferguson, and Theiline Cramer Top 3 Donors to PAC Contributors: SEIU 775, PSE SEIU 1948, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.