2026 Candidate Interviews
Hear directly from the candidates on issues that matter to Whatcom County’s business community
Elections at every level of government shape the environment in which our businesses operate, our employees live, and our communities grow.
That is why the Whatcom County Business Coalition, a partnership of seven local business organizations, came together to conduct a series of interviews with candidates seeking office in Whatcom County and the 42nd Legislative District.
These conversations are designed to give business leaders, employees, and voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their priorities, perspectives, and approach to leadership.
Our questions were developed through a business and economic lens, with topics ranging from economic development, workforce and housing to infrastructure, public safety, taxation, regulation, government efficiency, and the responsibilities specific to each office.
The Whatcom County Business Coalition does not endorse candidates through this interview series. Candidates seeking the same office were invited to participate and, for each race, participating candidates were asked a consistent set of questions developed with input from coalition partners. Our goal is to provide information and encourage informed participation in our local elections.
Watch the Interviews
Port of Bellingham
Commission District #4
Tor Benson
Campaign website: https://www.torforport.com/
Paul Burrill
Campaign website: https://burrillforport.com/
Port of Bellingham
Commission District #5
Chris Elder
Campaign website: https://votechriselder.com/
Shawn Ensley
Campaign website: https://www.ensleyforport.com/
Whatcom County
Prosecuting Attorney
Jesse Corkern
Both candidates were invited to participate in the Whatcom County Business Coalition candidate interview series. Jesse Corkern declined the invitation.
Ryan Swinburnson
Campaign website: https://www.swinburnsonforprosecutor.com/
42nd District State Senator
Erika Creydt
Campaign website: https://www.erikaforwhatcom.com/
Michael Shepard
Coming soon …
42nd District State Representative
Position #1
Misty Flowers
Coming soon …
Alicia Rule
Campaign website: https://www.votealiciarule.com/
42nd District State Representative
Position #2
Justin Pike
Campaign website: https://www.votejustinpike.com/
Joe Timmons
Coming soon …
Why the Business Community Engages in Elections
Businesses do not operate separately from the communities around them. Decisions made by elected leaders can affect the cost of doing business, the availability of housing and workforce, infrastructure investment, public safety, permitting, taxes, regulation, transportation, education, and our region’s ability to attract and retain jobs and investment.
The Whatcom County Business Coalition believes our role is to help ensure that the perspective of the business community is part of those conversations — and to give our members and the broader community opportunities to better understand the people asking to represent them.
These interviews are one part of that effort.
About the Whatcom County Business Coalition
The Whatcom County Business Coalition brings together seven business organizations serving employers, industries, and communities throughout Whatcom County.
Coalition Partners:
Associated General Contractors of Washington
Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
Building Industry Alliance of Whatcom County
Whatcom Housing Alliance
Whatcom Business Alliance
Whatcom County Association of Realtors
Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County
The 2026 candidate interviews were moderated on behalf of the coalition by Lance Calloway, AGC and Guy Occhiogrosso, Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Make Your Voice Heard
We encourage every eligible voter to learn about the candidates and issues on their ballot and participate in this year’s election.
Official election information, voter registration, ballot information and deadlines:
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/elections