WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington State Senator Sharon Shewmake has announced that she won’t seek re-election next year.

The 42nd District Democrat is serving her first term as state senator after winning two terms to the state House, also from the 42nd District.

Sen. Shewmake said in an email to My Bellingham Now that her decision is driven by her desire to spend more time with her children. Shewmake is also a professor of Economics and Energy Policy at Western Washington University.

She says that leaving this job in public service is difficult. “It will be a relief to have only one job,” Sen. Shewmake said.

She thanks the many people who donated and campaigned for her, and says doorbelling brought her closer to Whatcom County’s diverse communities.

Sen. Shewmake says she’ll continue to serve her constituents through the end of her term in January 2027.