BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A familiar face in Whatcom County politics has thrown his hat in the ring for state Senate.
Port of Bellingham Commissioner Michael Shepard announced on Monday, Dec. 8 that he’s running to replace Sharon Shewmake in the 42nd Legislative District. It comes days after Shewmake announced that she won’t seek re-election next year.
She’ll continue to serve through the end of her term in January 2027.
Shepard says he’s running to address the high cost of living, affordable housing, environmental protection and continued investment in public schools and local jobs.
He also cited public desire for a regional aquatic center as one of the local issues he’d focus on.
Along with serving as port commissioner, Shepard is an anthropology professor at Western Washington University.
