Candidates file for August primaries

A full slate of candidates is lined up to run in the August primaries for state legislator, U.S. senator and county district judge positions, among other races. Filing week for the August 2 primary elections ended May 20. The top two candidates in each primary race will advance on to the November general election. Whatcom County Auditor’s Office will mail ballots July 13.

42nd Legislative District

Three candidates are running for the two-year 42nd legislative district’s state representative position 1 seat. Incumbent Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) is up against Kamal Bhachu (R-Blaine) and Tawsha Thompson (R-Lynden).

Four candidates are running for the two-year 42nd legislative district’s state representative position 2 seat. Kyle Christensen (R-Sumas), Daniel Johnson (R-Laurel), Richard May (D-Blaine) and Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham) are vying for the empty seat. Current state representative Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) is running for the state senate position.

Whatcom County Council appointed incumbent Simon Sefzik (R-Ferndale) to the 42nd legislative district’s state senate seat in January following late state senator Doug Ericksen’s death (R-Ferndale). Two candidates are challenging Sefzik for the seat; Ben Elenbaas (R-Custer) and Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham). Russell Dzialo, who previously said he was running as an independent, announced on Facebook in late February that he would no longer be running for state senate to focus on family.

Whatcom County District Court

Angela Anderson is running unopposed for the four-year Whatcom County District Court judge position 1 seat. County council appointed Anderson last July to fulfill David Grant’s position.

Gordon Jenkins, David Nelson and Jonathan Rands are running for the four-year Whatcom County District Court judge position 2 seat. Current position 2 judge Matthew Elich, who has served the position since 2001, is not running for re-election.

Public Utility District No. 1, Commissioner District 3

Blaine city councilmember Eric Davidson and Blaine resident Jaime Arnett are running for the Public Utility District No. 1 seat. Incumbent Mike Murphy withdrew from the election after filing to run. 

Whatcom County Prosecutor

Whatcom County prosecutor Eric Richey (D) is running unopposed to retain his seat. 

Secretary of State

Eight candidates are running for the Washington state Secretary of State seat, including incumbent Steve Hobbs (D-Lake Stevens). Hobbs was appointed to the position last year after former Republican secretary of state Kim Wyman joined President Joe Biden’s administration. The candidate will serve the remaining two years of the four-year term. 

U.S. Senator

Eighteen candidates are vying for the U.S. Senate seat held by 29-year incumbent Patty Murray (D). 

U.S. Representative

Ten candidates are running for 2nd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives currently held by 21-year incumbent Rick Larsen (D). The 2nd Congressional District will encompass north Whatcom County in the redistricting map approved by the state legislature in February. North Whatcom County has been represented by U.S. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D) in the 1st Congressional District.