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Maya Morales is a progressive organizer and founder of the WA People's Privacy and previously worked with People First Bellingham. She was an outspoken advocate for the four progressive ballot measures that went before Bellingham voters in 2021, two of which passed.
Morales is running to bring the perspectives of low-income and marginalized people to the Bellingham City Council. She wants to push for a clean energy transition, advocate for community safety that goes beyond policing and mass surveillance, and ensure everyone has access to housing and public transit.
Morales has likely the most progressive platform of any candidate in this race but has not received broad endorsements from community leaders or advocacy organizations.
Last updated: 2023-07-25
Maya Morales is a progressive organizer and founder of the WA People's Privacy and previously worked with People First Bellingham. She was an outspoken advocate for the four progressive ballot measures that went before Bellingham voters in 2021, two of which passed.
Morales is running to bring the perspectives of low-income and marginalized people to the Bellingham City Council. She wants to push for a clean energy transition, advocate for community safety that goes beyond policing and mass surveillance, and ensure everyone has access to housing and public transit.
Morales has likely the most progressive platform of any candidate in this race but has not received broad endorsements from community leaders or advocacy organizations.
Maya Morales is a progressive organizer and founder of the WA People's Privacy and previously worked with People First Bellingham. She was an outspoken advocate for the four progressive ballot measures that went before Bellingham voters in 2021, two of which passed.
Morales is running to bring the perspectives of low-income and marginalized people to the Bellingham City Council. She wants to push for a clean energy transition, advocate for community safety that goes beyond policing and mass surveillance, and ensure everyone has access to housing and public transit.
Morales has likely the most progressive platform of any candidate in this race but has not received broad endorsements from community leaders or advocacy organizations.
There are two progressive candidates running for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position B: Jon Scanlon and Atul Deshmane. While both have strong platforms, we recommend Scanlon because of his broader support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.
Democratic Party activist and human rights advocate Jon Scanlon is running for At-Large, Position B on the Whatcom County Council. This seat is open following the retirement of Carol Frazey. Previously, Scanlon worked at the U.S. State Department and with OxFam America doing humanitarian work. In addition, he has been a consistent volunteer and elected leader within the Whatcom County Democrats.
Scanlon is running for office with a focus on affordability and environmental conservation. In particular, he would work to strengthen protections against flooding, ensure access to clean air and water, and preserve the county's farmlands and forests. His two decades of public policy and advocacy experience would also be a welcome addition to the council.
Scanlon has earned an impressive slate of progressive endorsements and is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position B.
Last updated: 2023-07-20
Democratic Party activist and human rights advocate Jon Scanlon is running for At-Large, Position B on the Whatcom County Council. This seat is open following the retirement of Carol Frazey. Previously, Scanlon worked at the U.S. State Department and with OxFam America doing humanitarian work. In addition, he has been a consistent volunteer and elected leader within the Whatcom County Democrats.
Scanlon is running for office with a focus on affordability and environmental conservation. In particular, he would work to strengthen protections against flooding, ensure access to clean air and water, and preserve the county's farmlands and forests. His two decades of public policy and advocacy experience would also be a welcome addition to the council.
Scanlon has earned an impressive slate of progressive endorsements and is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position B.
Democratic Party activist and human rights advocate Jon Scanlon is running for At-Large, Position B on the Whatcom County Council. This seat is open following the retirement of Carol Frazey. Previously, Scanlon worked at the U.S. State Department and with OxFam America doing humanitarian work. In addition, he has been a consistent volunteer and elected leader within the Whatcom County Democrats.
Scanlon is running for office with a focus on affordability and environmental conservation. In particular, he would work to strengthen protections against flooding, ensure access to clean air and water, and preserve the county's farmlands and forests. His two decades of public policy and advocacy experience would also be a welcome addition to the council.
Scanlon has earned an impressive slate of progressive endorsements and is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position B.
Current Whatcom County Public Utility District (PUD) Commission president Atul Deshmane is now running for county council. He has a background in electrical and industrial engineering and proudly touts the working farm where he lives with his family.
If elected, Deshmane would prioritize increasing the resilience of local infrastructure to adapt to climate change. He points to his record on the PUD as evidence of his experience in improving energy efficiency, protecting our water, advocating for clean energy, and expanding broadband access. Deshmane was one of the authors of "The Big Lift," an ambitious proposal to address the homelessness crisis by declaring a public health emergency and building four villages with 25 tiny homes each. He has also been an outspoken critic of the plan to build a new jail in Whatcom County, including voting against the recent proposal in his role on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee to the county council.
Last updated: 2023-07-24
Current Whatcom County Public Utility District (PUD) Commission president Atul Deshmane is now running for county council. He has a background in electrical and industrial engineering and proudly touts the working farm where he lives with his family.
If elected, Deshmane would prioritize increasing the resilience of local infrastructure to adapt to climate change. He points to his record on the PUD as evidence of his experience in improving energy efficiency, protecting our water, advocating for clean energy, and expanding broadband access. Deshmane was one of the authors of "The Big Lift," an ambitious proposal to address the homelessness crisis by declaring a public health emergency and building four villages with 25 tiny homes each. He has also been an outspoken critic of the plan to build a new jail in Whatcom County, including voting against the recent proposal in his role on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee to the county council.
Last updated: 2023-07-24
Endorsed By: Sage Leaders
,
The Sierra Club, Mt. Baker Chapter
Current Whatcom County Public Utility District (PUD) Commission president Atul Deshmane is now running for county council. He has a background in electrical and industrial engineering and proudly touts the working farm where he lives with his family.
If elected, Deshmane would prioritize increasing the resilience of local infrastructure to adapt to climate change. He points to his record on the PUD as evidence of his experience in improving energy efficiency, protecting our water, advocating for clean energy, and expanding broadband access. Deshmane was one of the authors of "The Big Lift," an ambitious proposal to address the homelessness crisis by declaring a public health emergency and building four villages with 25 tiny homes each. He has also been an outspoken critic of the plan to build a new jail in Whatcom County, including voting against the recent proposal in his role on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee to the county council.
Last updated: 2023-07-24
Endorsed By: Sage Leaders
,
The Sierra Club, Mt. Baker Chapter
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Other Candidates
Hannah Ordos is a customer support manager at Vitamin Porfolio LLC and is a member of the North Sound Behavioral Health Advisory Board. Her website focuses on bringing people together and offers few specific policy details. In 2021, she endorsed Republican Tyler Byrd for Whatcom County Council and this February she was part of a group of "vaccine skeptics" nominated for the Whatcom County Health Board.
Jerry Burns ran as a Libertarian for state Senate in 2016 from the 42nd Legislative District against former Rep. Vincent Buys. He is not running a competitive campaign in this race.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
Hannah Ordos is a customer support manager at Vitamin Porfolio LLC and is a member of the North Sound Behavioral Health Advisory Board. Her website focuses on bringing people together and offers few specific policy details. In 2021, she endorsed Republican Tyler Byrd for Whatcom County Council and this February she was part of a group of "vaccine skeptics" nominated for the Whatcom County Health Board.
Jerry Burns ran as a Libertarian for state Senate in 2016 from the 42nd Legislative District against former Rep. Vincent Buys. He is not running a competitive campaign in this race.
Kathy Kershner is running for re-election to the Whatcom County Council representing District 4. Kershner is the former chair of the Whatcom County Republican Party, and has been a conservative voice on the council since she was elected in 2019.
Despite describing herself as a fiscal conservative, Kershner increased spending on prisons and policing, voting to add 10 new deputies to the sheriff's office and supporting the construction of a new, larger county jail. She also voted to continue public funding for Lighthouse Mission Ministries after they were accused of hiring discrimination against LGBTQ+ people because they required employees to adhere to traditional Christian tenets of faith and "sex ethics."
While Kershner is clearly conservative, she has been willing to work with the progressive majority on the council. In particular, she voted in favor of putting Proposition 5, the Whatcom County Children's Initiative, on the ballot.
Kershner's challengers are Mark Stremler and Katherine Orlowski. Stremler is Whatcom County public works employee who has been active with his union in recent months advocating for pay increases to keep up with the cost of living. In his own words, Stremler is "devoted to re-establishing the conservative values" and would be a step backwards for the council.
Orlowski is a recently-appointed member of the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force. In one of her first meetings, she expressed support for the Healthy Children's Fund and concern over the wellbeing of public school employees, but also supported an amendment by Kershner to explicitly remove COVID-19 vaccination requirements for a public fund. This is consistent with some of her other public comments expressing skepticism about the lifesaving power of vaccines.
While we disagree strongly with many of Kershner's policy positions, her willingness to work with her colleagues makes her the best choice to represent this very conservative district.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
Kathy Kershner is running for re-election to the Whatcom County Council representing District 4. Kershner is the former chair of the Whatcom County Republican Party, and has been a conservative voice on the council since she was elected in 2019.
Despite describing herself as a fiscal conservative, Kershner increased spending on prisons and policing, voting to add 10 new deputies to the sheriff's office and supporting the construction of a new, larger county jail. She also voted to continue public funding for Lighthouse Mission Ministries after they were accused of hiring discrimination against LGBTQ+ people because they required employees to adhere to traditional Christian tenets of faith and "sex ethics."
While Kershner is clearly conservative, she has been willing to work with the progressive majority on the council. In particular, she voted in favor of putting Proposition 5, the Whatcom County Children's Initiative, on the ballot.
Kershner's challengers are Mark Stremler and Katherine Orlowski. Stremler is Whatcom County public works employee who has been active with his union in recent months advocating for pay increases to keep up with the cost of living. In his own words, Stremler is "devoted to re-establishing the conservative values" and would be a step backwards for the council.
Orlowski is a recently-appointed member of the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force. In one of her first meetings, she expressed support for the Healthy Children's Fund and concern over the wellbeing of public school employees, but also supported an amendment by Kershner to explicitly remove COVID-19 vaccination requirements for a public fund. This is consistent with some of her other public comments expressing skepticism about the lifesaving power of vaccines.
While we disagree strongly with many of Kershner's policy positions, her willingness to work with her colleagues makes her the best choice to represent this very conservative district.
Kathy Kershner is running for re-election to the Whatcom County Council representing District 4. Kershner is the former chair of the Whatcom County Republican Party, and has been a conservative voice on the council since she was elected in 2019.
Despite describing herself as a fiscal conservative, Kershner increased spending on prisons and policing, voting to add 10 new deputies to the sheriff's office and supporting the construction of a new, larger county jail. She also voted to continue public funding for Lighthouse Mission Ministries after they were accused of hiring discrimination against LGBTQ+ people because they required employees to adhere to traditional Christian tenets of faith and "sex ethics."
While Kershner is clearly conservative, she has been willing to work with the progressive majority on the council. In particular, she voted in favor of putting Proposition 5, the Whatcom County Children's Initiative, on the ballot.
Kershner's challengers are Mark Stremler and Katherine Orlowski. Stremler is Whatcom County public works employee who has been active with his union in recent months advocating for pay increases to keep up with the cost of living. In his own words, Stremler is "devoted to re-establishing the conservative values" and would be a step backwards for the council.
Orlowski is a recently-appointed member of the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force. In one of her first meetings, she expressed support for the Healthy Children's Fund and concern over the wellbeing of public school employees, but also supported an amendment by Kershner to explicitly remove COVID-19 vaccination requirements for a public fund. This is consistent with some of her other public comments expressing skepticism about the lifesaving power of vaccines.
While we disagree strongly with many of Kershner's policy positions, her willingness to work with her colleagues makes her the best choice to represent this very conservative district.
There are three leading progressive candidates in the race for Mayor of Bellingham this year: Kim Lund, Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens, and incumbent Mayor Seth Fleetwood. After extensive research and discussions with community leaders, we are not making a recommendation in this race for the primary. Read the descriptions below to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for Bellingham.
There are three leading progressive candidates in the race for Mayor of Bellingham this year: Kim Lund, Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens, and incumbent Mayor Seth Fleetwood. After extensive research and discussions with community leaders, we are not making a recommendation in this race for the primary. Read the descriptions below to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for Bellingham.
Kim Lund is a former director of the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation and currently serves on the Whatcom County Planning Commission. She is now running for mayor of Bellingham to bring her non-profit leadership and management skills to city hall.
Like many other candidates on the Bellingham ballot this year, Lund would prioritize affordable housing, community safety, and fighting climate change. She is seeking to differentiate herself in this race with her leadership experience. She stresses themes like listening and taking accountability for decision-making, which she feels have been lacking during the current administration. Unfortunately, Lund's platform on "Community Health and Safety" focuses heavily on the concerns of downtown business owners with less emphasis on the underlying needs of people experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction. Her goals around implementing the Climate Action Protection Plan are more thoughtful, including exploring eliminating transit fares to increase ridership.
While Lund has long been active in the community, she is newer to the political sphere. As a result, it's less clear exactly what agenda she would pursue as mayor, especially relative to Fleetwood and Martens, who both have demonstrated track records in elected office. Lund is a good choice if you're looking for new leadership in Bellingham that emphasizes strong management and collaboration across the city.
Last updated: 2023-07-07
Kim Lund is a former director of the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation and currently serves on the Whatcom County Planning Commission. She is now running for mayor of Bellingham to bring her non-profit leadership and management skills to city hall.
Like many other candidates on the Bellingham ballot this year, Lund would prioritize affordable housing, community safety, and fighting climate change. She is seeking to differentiate herself in this race with her leadership experience. She stresses themes like listening and taking accountability for decision-making, which she feels have been lacking during the current administration. Unfortunately, Lund's platform on "Community Health and Safety" focuses heavily on the concerns of downtown business owners with less emphasis on the underlying needs of people experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction. Her goals around implementing the Climate Action Protection Plan are more thoughtful, including exploring eliminating transit fares to increase ridership.
While Lund has long been active in the community, she is newer to the political sphere. As a result, it's less clear exactly what agenda she would pursue as mayor, especially relative to Fleetwood and Martens, who both have demonstrated track records in elected office. Lund is a good choice if you're looking for new leadership in Bellingham that emphasizes strong management and collaboration across the city.
Last updated: 2023-07-07
Endorsed By: The Riveter's Collective, Bellingham Whatcom County Fire Fighters Local 106, the Sierra Club Mt. Baker Chapter
Kim Lund is a former director of the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation and currently serves on the Whatcom County Planning Commission. She is now running for mayor of Bellingham to bring her non-profit leadership and management skills to city hall.
Like many other candidates on the Bellingham ballot this year, Lund would prioritize affordable housing, community safety, and fighting climate change. She is seeking to differentiate herself in this race with her leadership experience. She stresses themes like listening and taking accountability for decision-making, which she feels have been lacking during the current administration. Unfortunately, Lund's platform on "Community Health and Safety" focuses heavily on the concerns of downtown business owners with less emphasis on the underlying needs of people experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction. Her goals around implementing the Climate Action Protection Plan are more thoughtful, including exploring eliminating transit fares to increase ridership.
While Lund has long been active in the community, she is newer to the political sphere. As a result, it's less clear exactly what agenda she would pursue as mayor, especially relative to Fleetwood and Martens, who both have demonstrated track records in elected office. Lund is a good choice if you're looking for new leadership in Bellingham that emphasizes strong management and collaboration across the city.
Last updated: 2023-07-07
Endorsed By: The Riveter's Collective, Bellingham Whatcom County Fire Fighters Local 106, the Sierra Club Mt. Baker Chapter
Bellingham City Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens is now running for mayor of Bellingham. Prior to running for office, Martens was the co-founder of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, the host of local radio and television shows, and the creator of the popular "Bellingham Idol" singing competition. In 2021, she became the first Black member in the history of the Bellingham City Council.
During her year and a half on the council, Martens has been a strong advocate for housing and promoting equity in city policies. She advocated for a safe parking location for people experiencing homelessness. In addition, she has worked with renters' groups to raise awareness about landlords who are not maintaining safe units. Martens was one of only two members of the council to oppose the mayor's recent proposal to make public drug use a misdemeanor subject to arrest.
Martens is running for mayor to elevate many of the same issues she has advocated for as a council member. She recently described herself as a "lone dissenting voice" on the Bellingham City Council and expressed frustration at being unable to do more in her current role. She wants to use the mayor's office to push for greater transparency from city staff and do more for low-income renters.
Martens is a good choice if you're looking for a very progressive candidate who would shake up the status quo within city government.
Last updated: 2023-07-17
Bellingham City Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens is now running for mayor of Bellingham. Prior to running for office, Martens was the co-founder of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, the host of local radio and television shows, and the creator of the popular "Bellingham Idol" singing competition. In 2021, she became the first Black member in the history of the Bellingham City Council.
During her year and a half on the council, Martens has been a strong advocate for housing and promoting equity in city policies. She advocated for a safe parking location for people experiencing homelessness. In addition, she has worked with renters' groups to raise awareness about landlords who are not maintaining safe units. Martens was one of only two members of the council to oppose the mayor's recent proposal to make public drug use a misdemeanor subject to arrest.
Martens is running for mayor to elevate many of the same issues she has advocated for as a council member. She recently described herself as a "lone dissenting voice" on the Bellingham City Council and expressed frustration at being unable to do more in her current role. She wants to use the mayor's office to push for greater transparency from city staff and do more for low-income renters.
Martens is a good choice if you're looking for a very progressive candidate who would shake up the status quo within city government.
Last updated: 2023-07-17
Endorsed By: UFCW 3000
,
The Riveters Collective, Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Bellingham City Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens is now running for mayor of Bellingham. Prior to running for office, Martens was the co-founder of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, the host of local radio and television shows, and the creator of the popular "Bellingham Idol" singing competition. In 2021, she became the first Black member in the history of the Bellingham City Council.
During her year and a half on the council, Martens has been a strong advocate for housing and promoting equity in city policies. She advocated for a safe parking location for people experiencing homelessness. In addition, she has worked with renters' groups to raise awareness about landlords who are not maintaining safe units. Martens was one of only two members of the council to oppose the mayor's recent proposal to make public drug use a misdemeanor subject to arrest.
Martens is running for mayor to elevate many of the same issues she has advocated for as a council member. She recently described herself as a "lone dissenting voice" on the Bellingham City Council and expressed frustration at being unable to do more in her current role. She wants to use the mayor's office to push for greater transparency from city staff and do more for low-income renters.
Martens is a good choice if you're looking for a very progressive candidate who would shake up the status quo within city government.
Last updated: 2023-07-17
Endorsed By: UFCW 3000
,
The Riveters Collective, Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Seth Fleetwood is running for a second term as mayor of Bellingham. He is a lawyer who previously served as co-chair of the Whatcom County Housing Affordability Task Force, a former member of both the Whatcom County Council and Bellingham City Council, and a 2014 state Senate candidate.
During his first term as mayor, Fleetwood prioritized fighting climate change and supporting the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, he played a lead role in proposing a Climate Action Plan that would have paid for energy efficiency upgrades in buildings, encouraged electric vehicles, and used cleaner sources of energy for local electricity. Notably, Bellingham became just the third city in the state of Washington to require all new buildings more than three stories tall to use electricity for hot water and heating instead of natural gas. Fleetwood also touts his efforts to protect natural areas like the Post Point heron colony and develop a Greenways Strategic Plan for future trails and parks.
Recently, we were disappointed that Fleetwood signed a letter along with six other mayors urging the county council to consider an even larger jail facility than the 440 beds proposed by the county executive. He also supported placing greater emphasis on mental health and substance use treatment facilities.
While Fleetwood had a somewhat rocky first term dominated by the pandemic, he is a good choice for voters looking for a mayor who will aggressively pursue climate action and protect the local environment.
Last updated: 2023-07-07
Seth Fleetwood is running for a second term as mayor of Bellingham. He is a lawyer who previously served as co-chair of the Whatcom County Housing Affordability Task Force, a former member of both the Whatcom County Council and Bellingham City Council, and a 2014 state Senate candidate.
During his first term as mayor, Fleetwood prioritized fighting climate change and supporting the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, he played a lead role in proposing a Climate Action Plan that would have paid for energy efficiency upgrades in buildings, encouraged electric vehicles, and used cleaner sources of energy for local electricity. Notably, Bellingham became just the third city in the state of Washington to require all new buildings more than three stories tall to use electricity for hot water and heating instead of natural gas. Fleetwood also touts his efforts to protect natural areas like the Post Point heron colony and develop a Greenways Strategic Plan for future trails and parks.
Recently, we were disappointed that Fleetwood signed a letter along with six other mayors urging the county council to consider an even larger jail facility than the 440 beds proposed by the county executive. He also supported placing greater emphasis on mental health and substance use treatment facilities.
While Fleetwood had a somewhat rocky first term dominated by the pandemic, he is a good choice for voters looking for a mayor who will aggressively pursue climate action and protect the local environment.
Seth Fleetwood is running for a second term as mayor of Bellingham. He is a lawyer who previously served as co-chair of the Whatcom County Housing Affordability Task Force, a former member of both the Whatcom County Council and Bellingham City Council, and a 2014 state Senate candidate.
During his first term as mayor, Fleetwood prioritized fighting climate change and supporting the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, he played a lead role in proposing a Climate Action Plan that would have paid for energy efficiency upgrades in buildings, encouraged electric vehicles, and used cleaner sources of energy for local electricity. Notably, Bellingham became just the third city in the state of Washington to require all new buildings more than three stories tall to use electricity for hot water and heating instead of natural gas. Fleetwood also touts his efforts to protect natural areas like the Post Point heron colony and develop a Greenways Strategic Plan for future trails and parks.
Recently, we were disappointed that Fleetwood signed a letter along with six other mayors urging the county council to consider an even larger jail facility than the 440 beds proposed by the county executive. He also supported placing greater emphasis on mental health and substance use treatment facilities.
While Fleetwood had a somewhat rocky first term dominated by the pandemic, he is a good choice for voters looking for a mayor who will aggressively pursue climate action and protect the local environment.
Last updated: 2023-07-07
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Mike McAuley is a former member of the Bellingham Port Commission and currently serves on the Bellingham Planning Commission. McAuley has a background in urban design and land use that he wants to put to use helping Bellingham solve it's homelessness and housing affordability crisis. Would set a goal of creating at least 300 micro-homes to people living unsheltered in a series of small villages. In addition, he proposes allowing owners of lots that are at least 7,500 square feet to subdivide their land and build smaller homes with "pre-approved" designs that wouldn't need additional permits. While McAuley offers many innovative policy solutions, he has not earned as broad of support in this race from our progressive partners.
Chris McCoy, the founder and CEO of Kombucha Town, is also running for mayor of Bellingham. McCoy wants to utilize his business experience to streamline operations at the city. His platform promises to increase affordable housing by expediting permits and middle housing construction and to invest $1.2 million in expanding the planning department to speed up small business development.
Last updated: 2023-07-24
Mike McAuley is a former member of the Bellingham Port Commission and currently serves on the Bellingham Planning Commission. McAuley has a background in urban design and land use that he wants to put to use helping Bellingham solve it's homelessness and housing affordability crisis. Would set a goal of creating at least 300 micro-homes to people living unsheltered in a series of small villages. In addition, he proposes allowing owners of lots that are at least 7,500 square feet to subdivide their land and build smaller homes with "pre-approved" designs that wouldn't need additional permits. While McAuley offers many innovative policy solutions, he has not earned as broad of support in this race from our progressive partners.
Chris McCoy, the founder and CEO of Kombucha Town, is also running for mayor of Bellingham. McCoy wants to utilize his business experience to streamline operations at the city. His platform promises to increase affordable housing by expediting permits and middle housing construction and to invest $1.2 million in expanding the planning department to speed up small business development.
There are two leading progressive candidates in this race: Jace Cotton and Maya Morales. We recommend Cotton because of his strong platform and broad support from progressive advocates.
Progressive campaign organizer Jace Cotton is running for the at-large seat on the Bellingham City Council. This seat is open after Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens decided to run for mayor.
Cotton was a campaign manager with the Whatcom County Democrats for the last two years, playing a key role in winning all seven priority races. He is now the Campaign Director of Community First Whatcom, which has placed two initiatives on this year’s November ballot. One initiative would raise the minimum wage by $2 and the other would increase protections for renters. Previously, he graduated from Western Washington University and worked as a paraeducator in local public schools.
Cotton is running to advance economic justice in Bellingham. He wants to support low-wage workers and seniors who are struggling with the rapidly increasing cost of living.
Cotton has earned a very impressive slate of endorsements for a first-time candidate and is the best choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
Progressive campaign organizer Jace Cotton is running for the at-large seat on the Bellingham City Council. This seat is open after Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens decided to run for mayor.
Cotton was a campaign manager with the Whatcom County Democrats for the last two years, playing a key role in winning all seven priority races. He is now the Campaign Director of Community First Whatcom, which has placed two initiatives on this year’s November ballot. One initiative would raise the minimum wage by $2 and the other would increase protections for renters. Previously, he graduated from Western Washington University and worked as a paraeducator in local public schools.
Cotton is running to advance economic justice in Bellingham. He wants to support low-wage workers and seniors who are struggling with the rapidly increasing cost of living.
Cotton has earned a very impressive slate of endorsements for a first-time candidate and is the best choice in this race.
Progressive campaign organizer Jace Cotton is running for the at-large seat on the Bellingham City Council. This seat is open after Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens decided to run for mayor.
Cotton was a campaign manager with the Whatcom County Democrats for the last two years, playing a key role in winning all seven priority races. He is now the Campaign Director of Community First Whatcom, which has placed two initiatives on this year’s November ballot. One initiative would raise the minimum wage by $2 and the other would increase protections for renters. Previously, he graduated from Western Washington University and worked as a paraeducator in local public schools.
Cotton is running to advance economic justice in Bellingham. He wants to support low-wage workers and seniors who are struggling with the rapidly increasing cost of living.
Cotton has earned a very impressive slate of endorsements for a first-time candidate and is the best choice in this race.
Maya Morales is a progressive organizer and founder of the WA People's Privacy and previously worked with People First Bellingham. She was an outspoken advocate for the four progressive ballot measures that went before Bellingham voters in 2021, two of which passed.
Morales is running to bring the perspectives of low-income and marginalized people to the Bellingham City Council. She wants to push for a clean energy transition, advocate for community safety that goes beyond policing and mass surveillance, and ensure everyone has access to housing and public transit.
Morales has likely the most progressive platform of any candidate in this race but has not received broad endorsements from community leaders or advocacy organizations.
Last updated: 2023-07-25
Maya Morales is a progressive organizer and founder of the WA People's Privacy and previously worked with People First Bellingham. She was an outspoken advocate for the four progressive ballot measures that went before Bellingham voters in 2021, two of which passed.
Morales is running to bring the perspectives of low-income and marginalized people to the Bellingham City Council. She wants to push for a clean energy transition, advocate for community safety that goes beyond policing and mass surveillance, and ensure everyone has access to housing and public transit.
Morales has likely the most progressive platform of any candidate in this race but has not received broad endorsements from community leaders or advocacy organizations.
Maya Morales is a progressive organizer and founder of the WA People's Privacy and previously worked with People First Bellingham. She was an outspoken advocate for the four progressive ballot measures that went before Bellingham voters in 2021, two of which passed.
Morales is running to bring the perspectives of low-income and marginalized people to the Bellingham City Council. She wants to push for a clean energy transition, advocate for community safety that goes beyond policing and mass surveillance, and ensure everyone has access to housing and public transit.
Morales has likely the most progressive platform of any candidate in this race but has not received broad endorsements from community leaders or advocacy organizations.
Financial advisor Russ Whidbee is running for Bellingham City Council once again on a more moderate platform. Previously, he served on the board of the Bellingham Technical College Foundation and with the Kulshan Community Land Trust.
His campaign is focused on housing affordability, public safety, and homelessness. He states that his focus would be on seeking out grants and public and private partnerships with banks and developers to increase affordable housing. However, he seems unwilling to support the kind of zoning changes needed to bring more housing options and density to our community. He also says he wants to "reimagine" public safety for Bellingham and acknowledges systemic racism in law enforcement. However, his specific policy proposals - like body cameras and de-escalation training - should represent the bare minimum and have largely been implemented already.
Garrett O’Brien is a moderate planning commission member who owns a home-building company in Bellingham. His campaign is focused on bringing people together and he offers a number of business-focused housing and homelessness proposals that fail to reach the scale needed to solve this crisis.
Community development planner Paul Schissler is also running for the Bellingham at-large seat. He is the co-founder of the Kulshan Land Trust and served as the group's executive director for more than a decade. His longtime community involvement also included serving on the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee and on the board of Fairhaven Neighbors.
As of mid-July, Schissler has not released a detailed campaign platform. He emphasizes his decades of experience in housing and land use and vaguely pledges to bring people together to create a brighter future for Bellingham.
Last updated: 2023-07-12
Financial advisor Russ Whidbee is running for Bellingham City Council once again on a more moderate platform. Previously, he served on the board of the Bellingham Technical College Foundation and with the Kulshan Community Land Trust.
His campaign is focused on housing affordability, public safety, and homelessness. He states that his focus would be on seeking out grants and public and private partnerships with banks and developers to increase affordable housing. However, he seems unwilling to support the kind of zoning changes needed to bring more housing options and density to our community. He also says he wants to "reimagine" public safety for Bellingham and acknowledges systemic racism in law enforcement. However, his specific policy proposals - like body cameras and de-escalation training - should represent the bare minimum and have largely been implemented already.
Garrett O’Brien is a moderate planning commission member who owns a home-building company in Bellingham. His campaign is focused on bringing people together and he offers a number of business-focused housing and homelessness proposals that fail to reach the scale needed to solve this crisis.
Community development planner Paul Schissler is also running for the Bellingham at-large seat. He is the co-founder of the Kulshan Land Trust and served as the group's executive director for more than a decade. His longtime community involvement also included serving on the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee and on the board of Fairhaven Neighbors.
As of mid-July, Schissler has not released a detailed campaign platform. He emphasizes his decades of experience in housing and land use and vaguely pledges to bring people together to create a brighter future for Bellingham.
There are two progressive candidates in the race for Bellingham City Council, Ward #1: Hannah Stone and Eamonn Collins. They would bring different leadership styles and lived experiences to the council. Read the full recommendations below to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for Bellingham.
Educator and conservation activist Eamonn Collins is running for Bellingham City Council from Ward #1. Collins teaches high school chemistry and physics to students at Lummi Nation School. He is the trustee with the Kulshan Community Land Trust where he advocates for affordable homeownership and environmental sustainability. Prior to moving to Whatcom County five years ago, Collins was a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) focused on education issues.
Collins believes the current Bellingham City Council is not approaching the city's challenges with enough urgency. If elected, he would seek to streamline the planning process for building more housing and encourage more multi-family housing. Like Kristina Michele Martens, Collins would bring more of an organizer's approach to council discussions and policies.
Collins is a good choice for voters looking for a more outspoken progressive voice on the Bellingham City Council.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
Educator and conservation activist Eamonn Collins is running for Bellingham City Council from Ward #1. Collins teaches high school chemistry and physics to students at Lummi Nation School. He is the trustee with the Kulshan Community Land Trust where he advocates for affordable homeownership and environmental sustainability. Prior to moving to Whatcom County five years ago, Collins was a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) focused on education issues.
Collins believes the current Bellingham City Council is not approaching the city's challenges with enough urgency. If elected, he would seek to streamline the planning process for building more housing and encourage more multi-family housing. Like Kristina Michele Martens, Collins would bring more of an organizer's approach to council discussions and policies.
Collins is a good choice for voters looking for a more outspoken progressive voice on the Bellingham City Council.
Educator and conservation activist Eamonn Collins is running for Bellingham City Council from Ward #1. Collins teaches high school chemistry and physics to students at Lummi Nation School. He is the trustee with the Kulshan Community Land Trust where he advocates for affordable homeownership and environmental sustainability. Prior to moving to Whatcom County five years ago, Collins was a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) focused on education issues.
Collins believes the current Bellingham City Council is not approaching the city's challenges with enough urgency. If elected, he would seek to streamline the planning process for building more housing and encourage more multi-family housing. Like Kristina Michele Martens, Collins would bring more of an organizer's approach to council discussions and policies.
Collins is a good choice for voters looking for a more outspoken progressive voice on the Bellingham City Council.
Immigration lawyer Hannah Stone is running for re-election to the Bellingham City Council in Ward 1. She was appointed to the at-large position on the Bellingham City Council in 2018 and won the Ward 1 seat in 2019. Stone was unanimously selected by the council for her positions on small businesses, education, and affordable housing. She worked in immigration and citizenship law in Bellingham for 11 years in addition to serving as chair of the Whatcom County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and co-chair of Citizens for Bellingham Schools.
Stone is running to utilize her experience as a lawyer and analytical thinking skills to help the city council tackle Bellingham's biggest challenges. During her first term, she took a pragmatic approach on the council during the tumultuous period early in the pandemic. In particular, she pushed to use a portion of the federal pandemic relief funding to make some long-term investments in the community. Unfortunately, she was part of the 5-2 majority of the City Council that recently voted to criminalize public drug use in Bellingham. If elected, she would prioritize housing affordability, homelessness, and climate action.
Stone is a good choice for voters looking for an experienced voice on the council with a track record of building coalitions.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
Immigration lawyer Hannah Stone is running for re-election to the Bellingham City Council in Ward 1. She was appointed to the at-large position on the Bellingham City Council in 2018 and won the Ward 1 seat in 2019. Stone was unanimously selected by the council for her positions on small businesses, education, and affordable housing. She worked in immigration and citizenship law in Bellingham for 11 years in addition to serving as chair of the Whatcom County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and co-chair of Citizens for Bellingham Schools.
Stone is running to utilize her experience as a lawyer and analytical thinking skills to help the city council tackle Bellingham's biggest challenges. During her first term, she took a pragmatic approach on the council during the tumultuous period early in the pandemic. In particular, she pushed to use a portion of the federal pandemic relief funding to make some long-term investments in the community. Unfortunately, she was part of the 5-2 majority of the City Council that recently voted to criminalize public drug use in Bellingham. If elected, she would prioritize housing affordability, homelessness, and climate action.
Stone is a good choice for voters looking for an experienced voice on the council with a track record of building coalitions.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
Endorsed By: Northwest Washington Central Labor Council
Immigration lawyer Hannah Stone is running for re-election to the Bellingham City Council in Ward 1. She was appointed to the at-large position on the Bellingham City Council in 2018 and won the Ward 1 seat in 2019. Stone was unanimously selected by the council for her positions on small businesses, education, and affordable housing. She worked in immigration and citizenship law in Bellingham for 11 years in addition to serving as chair of the Whatcom County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and co-chair of Citizens for Bellingham Schools.
Stone is running to utilize her experience as a lawyer and analytical thinking skills to help the city council tackle Bellingham's biggest challenges. During her first term, she took a pragmatic approach on the council during the tumultuous period early in the pandemic. In particular, she pushed to use a portion of the federal pandemic relief funding to make some long-term investments in the community. Unfortunately, she was part of the 5-2 majority of the City Council that recently voted to criminalize public drug use in Bellingham. If elected, she would prioritize housing affordability, homelessness, and climate action.
Stone is a good choice for voters looking for an experienced voice on the council with a track record of building coalitions.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
Endorsed By: Northwest Washington Central Labor Council
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Other Candidates
Michi Marcher is a queer, low-income single parent running to advocate for renters who are struggling with the cost of housing and poor treatment from landlords. Marcher played a leading role in the fight against wage theft at The Willows Inn, which received national attention. If elected, Marcher would push for more affordable housing, stronger protections for renters, and the adoption of the "Willows Initiative" citywide to prevent wage theft.
Last updated: 2023-07-07
Michi Marcher is a queer, low-income single parent running to advocate for renters who are struggling with the cost of housing and poor treatment from landlords. Marcher played a leading role in the fight against wage theft at The Willows Inn, which received national attention. If elected, Marcher would push for more affordable housing, stronger protections for renters, and the adoption of the "Willows Initiative" citywide to prevent wage theft.
J. Riley Sweeney is challenging incumbent director Craig Mitchell for the District 5 seat on the Meridian School District board. Sweeney currently works as the City of Ferndale’s Communication/Recreation Coordinator, but his work experience also includes nonprofit work and small business support. Additionally, he chairs the County Food System Committee and serves on the Irene Reither Elementary PTA board.
If elected, Sweeney wants to prevent partisan influence on public curriculums and instead focus on accuracy, fact, and science so that Meridian students are best prepared for their futures. Another priority for him is to make sweeping investments in the district to support educators with higher salaries, help continued recovery from the pandemic, and uplift enrichment programs and the arts.
Incumbent Craig Mitchell first joined the school board in 2017. He is a boilermaker and welder who has volunteered in some youth sports coaching. Mitchell is not yet running a strong re-election campaign. He has no website as of mid-July and his county voters guide statement is sparse, solely listing the vague ideas of “education” and “preparation” as his campaign priorities.
Also in this race is Michelle Simmons, who works for a restoration franchise business. She is a first-time candidate involved in a number of community groups, including the Meridian Boosters, the Meridian Strategic Planning Committee, and a PTA, where she serves as a chair. Simmons’ campaign platform does not include any progressive solutions or specific policy suggestions. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-July.
Nursing professor Malia Pickett is also vying for this seat. Pickett teaches at Skagit Valley College where she chairs the Nursing Department and serves on the college’s Federation of Teachers Executive Council. She served on the task force to implement a comprehensive sexual health curriculum in Meridian schools. In this race, she wants to bring rational leadership to the school board to focus on belonging and inclusion while attending to the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of students.
As a parent to students in the Meridian School District with strong progressive values, J. Riley Sweeney is the best choice in this race for Director, District 5 on the Meridian School District board.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
J. Riley Sweeney is challenging incumbent director Craig Mitchell for the District 5 seat on the Meridian School District board. Sweeney currently works as the City of Ferndale’s Communication/Recreation Coordinator, but his work experience also includes nonprofit work and small business support. Additionally, he chairs the County Food System Committee and serves on the Irene Reither Elementary PTA board.
If elected, Sweeney wants to prevent partisan influence on public curriculums and instead focus on accuracy, fact, and science so that Meridian students are best prepared for their futures. Another priority for him is to make sweeping investments in the district to support educators with higher salaries, help continued recovery from the pandemic, and uplift enrichment programs and the arts.
Incumbent Craig Mitchell first joined the school board in 2017. He is a boilermaker and welder who has volunteered in some youth sports coaching. Mitchell is not yet running a strong re-election campaign. He has no website as of mid-July and his county voters guide statement is sparse, solely listing the vague ideas of “education” and “preparation” as his campaign priorities.
Also in this race is Michelle Simmons, who works for a restoration franchise business. She is a first-time candidate involved in a number of community groups, including the Meridian Boosters, the Meridian Strategic Planning Committee, and a PTA, where she serves as a chair. Simmons’ campaign platform does not include any progressive solutions or specific policy suggestions. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-July.
Nursing professor Malia Pickett is also vying for this seat. Pickett teaches at Skagit Valley College where she chairs the Nursing Department and serves on the college’s Federation of Teachers Executive Council. She served on the task force to implement a comprehensive sexual health curriculum in Meridian schools. In this race, she wants to bring rational leadership to the school board to focus on belonging and inclusion while attending to the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of students.
As a parent to students in the Meridian School District with strong progressive values, J. Riley Sweeney is the best choice in this race for Director, District 5 on the Meridian School District board.
J. Riley Sweeney is challenging incumbent director Craig Mitchell for the District 5 seat on the Meridian School District board. Sweeney currently works as the City of Ferndale’s Communication/Recreation Coordinator, but his work experience also includes nonprofit work and small business support. Additionally, he chairs the County Food System Committee and serves on the Irene Reither Elementary PTA board.
If elected, Sweeney wants to prevent partisan influence on public curriculums and instead focus on accuracy, fact, and science so that Meridian students are best prepared for their futures. Another priority for him is to make sweeping investments in the district to support educators with higher salaries, help continued recovery from the pandemic, and uplift enrichment programs and the arts.
Incumbent Craig Mitchell first joined the school board in 2017. He is a boilermaker and welder who has volunteered in some youth sports coaching. Mitchell is not yet running a strong re-election campaign. He has no website as of mid-July and his county voters guide statement is sparse, solely listing the vague ideas of “education” and “preparation” as his campaign priorities.
Also in this race is Michelle Simmons, who works for a restoration franchise business. She is a first-time candidate involved in a number of community groups, including the Meridian Boosters, the Meridian Strategic Planning Committee, and a PTA, where she serves as a chair. Simmons’ campaign platform does not include any progressive solutions or specific policy suggestions. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-July.
Nursing professor Malia Pickett is also vying for this seat. Pickett teaches at Skagit Valley College where she chairs the Nursing Department and serves on the college’s Federation of Teachers Executive Council. She served on the task force to implement a comprehensive sexual health curriculum in Meridian schools. In this race, she wants to bring rational leadership to the school board to focus on belonging and inclusion while attending to the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of students.
As a parent to students in the Meridian School District with strong progressive values, J. Riley Sweeney is the best choice in this race for Director, District 5 on the Meridian School District board.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
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There are two progressive candidates running for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position B: Jon Scanlon and Atul Deshmane. While both have strong platforms, we recommend Scanlon because of his broader support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.
Jon Scanlon
Atul Deshmane
Whatcom County, District 4
Whatcom County Council, District 4
Kathy Kershner
City Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.
Bellingham Mayor
Bellingham Mayor
There are three leading progressive candidates in the race for mayor of Bellingham this year: Kim Lund, Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens, and incumbent Mayor Seth Fleetwood. Read the descriptions below to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for Bellingham.
Kim Lund
Kristina Michele Martens
Seth Fleetwood
Bellingham City Council
Bellingham City Council, At-Large
There are two leading progressive candidates in this race: Jace Cotton and Maya Morales. We recommend Cotton because of his strong platform and broad support from progressive advocates.
Jace Cotton
Maya Morales
City of Bellingham, 1st Ward
Bellingham City Council, 1st Ward
There are two progressive candidates in the race for Bellingham City Council, Ward #1: Hannah Stone and Eamonn Collins. Read the full recommendations below to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for Bellingham.
Eamonn Collins
Hannah Stone
Meridian School Board
Meridian School Board, Director, District #5
J. Riley Sweeney
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There are two progressive candidates running for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position B: Jon Scanlon and Atul Deshmane. While both have strong platforms, we recommend Scanlon because of his broader support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations.