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Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2025 Primary election! Since 2008, we've compiled information about candidates and ballot measures that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. You can learn about our partners and decision-making process here. We will continue to add additional recommendations until voting begins on July 16.

Whatcom County, District 3

Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.

Jessica Rienstra is running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. Rienstra ran unsuccessfully for the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission in 2024.

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.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Jessica Rienstra is running for Whatcom County Council, District 3. Rienstra ran unsuccessfully for the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission in 2024.

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.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

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)

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.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

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.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Port Races

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below races on your ballot.

Port of Bellingham

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.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

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.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

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.

Last updated: 2025-06-30

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.

Last updated: 2025-06-30

Port of Tacoma

Incumbent Commissioner John McCarthy is running for re-election to the Port of Tacoma Commission in Position 1. McCarthy first became a commissioner in 1983, serving for nine years, before rejoining the commission again in 2018. His background is as a longshore worker and a Pierce County Superior Court and District Court judge. Between his former and recent port commission terms as well as his judicial leadership, McCarthy has spent nearly four decades in public service roles in Pierce County.

McCarthy’s top issues include environmental protections for the Tacoma Tideflats, job creation, and expanding trade. However, he's taken a relatively moderate approach to many of the port's challenges and missed out on some opportunities to champion environmental conservation and advocate for workers. Despite this record, he's earned an impressive slate of endorsements from progressive community leaders and elected officials.

McCarthy is a good choice for voters looking for a steady, experienced hand at the Port of Tacoma.

Last updated: 2025-07-07

Incumbent Commissioner John McCarthy is running for re-election to the Port of Tacoma Commission in Position 1. McCarthy first became a commissioner in 1983, serving for nine years, before rejoining the commission again in 2018. His background is as a longshore worker and a Pierce County Superior Court and District Court judge. Between his former and recent port commission terms as well as his judicial leadership, McCarthy has spent nearly four decades in public service roles in Pierce County.

McCarthy’s top issues include environmental protections for the Tacoma Tideflats, job creation, and expanding trade. However, he's taken a relatively moderate approach to many of the port's challenges and missed out on some opportunities to champion environmental conservation and advocate for workers. Despite this record, he's earned an impressive slate of endorsements from progressive community leaders and elected officials.

McCarthy is a good choice for voters looking for a steady, experienced hand at the Port of Tacoma.

Last updated: 2025-07-07

Endorsed By: Tacoma Firefighters-IAFF Local 31

Randy Wilson is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 1. Wilson is a Democrat who has experience in international business trade, particularly in the Japanese market.

Wilson's campaign is prioritizing a strong workforce, environmental protections, and and community collaboration on the Port. He lays out a 4 year plan focused on promoting growth and sustainability. If elected, Wilson is proposing creating more formalized career pathways from logistics to marine operations to drive the port economy and help transition to low-emission practices. Overall, Wilson put together a thoughtful campaign, with economic development and sustainability at its core.

Although Randy Wilson may not hold as many endorsements as the incumbent, he is a good choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership at the Port of Tacoma.

Last updated: 2025-07-07

Randy Wilson is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 1. Wilson is a Democrat who has experience in international business trade, particularly in the Japanese market.

Wilson's campaign is prioritizing a strong workforce, environmental protections, and and community collaboration on the Port. He lays out a 4 year plan focused on promoting growth and sustainability. If elected, Wilson is proposing creating more formalized career pathways from logistics to marine operations to drive the port economy and help transition to low-emission practices. Overall, Wilson put together a thoughtful campaign, with economic development and sustainability at its core.

Although Randy Wilson may not hold as many endorsements as the incumbent, he is a good choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership at the Port of Tacoma.

Last updated: 2025-07-07

Other Candidates

Former Gig Harbor city council member Tim Payne is also running for the Port of Tacoma, representing District 1. Payne was on the council for 12 years, according to his Twitter account.

Payne's campaign is prioritizing the expansion of job opportunities, supporting businesses, modernizing the port, and regional collaboration. Unfortunately, he does not suggest any specific strategies or policies he would advocate for if elected. Additionally, Payne's previous association with the conservative group, Opportunity for Washington, indicates a rightward lean in his priorities.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Former Gig Harbor city council member Tim Payne is also running for the Port of Tacoma, representing District 1. Payne was on the council for 12 years, according to his Twitter account.

Payne's campaign is prioritizing the expansion of job opportunities, supporting businesses, modernizing the port, and regional collaboration. Unfortunately, he does not suggest any specific strategies or policies he would advocate for if elected. Additionally, Payne's previous association with the conservative group, Opportunity for Washington, indicates a rightward lean in his priorities.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Cyrus Donato is running for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4. Donato is currently the Puget Sound Inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). He also serves on the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT), during which he fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking in the maritime industry.

If elected, Donato will prioritize growing cargo, environmental accountability, and improving public trust through ethical governance. He is a proponent of reducing congestion and pollution in the Port's systems and wants to prioritize the use of clean technology to achieve this goal. He also recognized the Puyallup Tribe's land and wants to build more local partnerships in the decision-making process.

Donato is a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the fishing industry, with a particular focus on protecting immigrants. In 2023, he was part of the team that fought for a crew of Filipino fishermen who were trapped aboard fishing vessels for almost 2 months in Westport. The crew was stranded by their abusive employers who refused to pay them wages and kept them separated from their families. Eventually, the crew was rescued and given temporary visas to assist with the investigation into the crimes of their bosses.

While we would like to see some more detailed policy proposals, Cyrus Donato is clearly a progressive and passionate advocate for workers' rights. He is our choice for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Cyrus Donato is running for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4. Donato is currently the Puget Sound Inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). He also serves on the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT), during which he fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking in the maritime industry.

If elected, Donato will prioritize growing cargo, environmental accountability, and improving public trust through ethical governance. He is a proponent of reducing congestion and pollution in the Port's systems and wants to prioritize the use of clean technology to achieve this goal. He also recognized the Puyallup Tribe's land and wants to build more local partnerships in the decision-making process.

Donato is a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the fishing industry, with a particular focus on protecting immigrants. In 2023, he was part of the team that fought for a crew of Filipino fishermen who were trapped aboard fishing vessels for almost 2 months in Westport. The crew was stranded by their abusive employers who refused to pay them wages and kept them separated from their families. Eventually, the crew was rescued and given temporary visas to assist with the investigation into the crimes of their bosses.

While we would like to see some more detailed policy proposals, Cyrus Donato is clearly a progressive and passionate advocate for workers' rights. He is our choice for Tacoma Port Commissioner, District 4.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Dan Knox is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4. Throughout his campaign website, Knox insists that he is not a career politician. His platform includes creating union jobs and advocating for living wages with good benefits. Additionally, he acknowledges the Puyallup tribe and their ancestral land, on which the Port sits. He supports government-to-government collaborations when making decisions.

In this race, we lean towards Cyrus Donato for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4 because of his demonstrated track record of advocacy.

Last updated: 2025-06-30

Dan Knox is running for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4. Throughout his campaign website, Knox insists that he is not a career politician. His platform includes creating union jobs and advocating for living wages with good benefits. Additionally, he acknowledges the Puyallup tribe and their ancestral land, on which the Port sits. He supports government-to-government collaborations when making decisions.

In this race, we lean towards Cyrus Donato for Port Commissioner in Tacoma, District 4 because of his demonstrated track record of advocacy.

Last updated: 2025-06-30

Other Candidates

Former Republican state lawmaker JT Wilcox is running for the Port of Tacoma Commission, District 4 seat. Wilcox stepped down from his Legislative District 2 seat earlier this year, where he had served since 2010 as a ranking conservative. Professionally, he’s worked for a lumber company, in self-employed consulting, and as the director of operations for Wilcox Farms.

Wilcox is a staunch conservative who previously organized a ballot measure to eliminate Washington’s sexual health education, opposed legislation that keeps our community safe by instituting commonsense gun safety measures and environmental protections, and has been a consistent obstacle to rebalancing our tax code. In his bid for the port commission, Wilcox is demonstrating a similar set of values, including suggesting that Tacoma voters put him in power because his family’s farm business is a local employer. He brings a business lens to port leadership, but we know that our community thrives when leaders view this commission as an opportunity to strengthen workers’ rights, environmental protections, and community investment. Wilcox is not a progressive choice for the Port of Tacoma.

Last updated: 2025-07-08

Former Republican state lawmaker JT Wilcox is running for the Port of Tacoma Commission, District 4 seat. Wilcox stepped down from his Legislative District 2 seat earlier this year, where he had served since 2010 as a ranking conservative. Professionally, he’s worked for a lumber company, in self-employed consulting, and as the director of operations for Wilcox Farms.

Wilcox is a staunch conservative who previously organized a ballot measure to eliminate Washington’s sexual health education, opposed legislation that keeps our community safe by instituting commonsense gun safety measures and environmental protections, and has been a consistent obstacle to rebalancing our tax code. In his bid for the port commission, Wilcox is demonstrating a similar set of values, including suggesting that Tacoma voters put him in power because his family’s farm business is a local employer. He brings a business lens to port leadership, but we know that our community thrives when leaders view this commission as an opportunity to strengthen workers’ rights, environmental protections, and community investment. Wilcox is not a progressive choice for the Port of Tacoma.

Last updated: 2025-07-08