Timmons runs for state representative

Joe Timmons, of Bellingham, announced he will run as a Democrat for the 42nd Legislative District Position 2 seat.

“I love this community and state government,” Timmons said on why he decided to run. “I think I can really help this community out in Olympia.”

Timmons is running for the seat currently held by Rep. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), who announced she will run for state Senate.

Timmons is the northwest Washington regional representative for the governor’s office, where he liaisons Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island and Snohomish county communities to the governor’s office. Before that, Timmons was the assistant director of Government Relations at Western Washington University and a policy analyst for Sound Transit. Timmons is also a Bellingham Food Bank board member and has served on a Bellingham neighborhood advisory commission and the city’s community development advisory board.

Timmons said his top priorities include education, affordable housing, and helping small businesses and workers come out of the pandemic. 

He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Washington University and received his master of public administration from the University of Washington.

“I would welcome the opportunity to meet folks across the district. I think listening is so important for elected officials,” he said. “You can’t serve the community without understanding what the wants and needs are.”