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Community leaders, elected officials, and local advocates are standing with Michael because they trust his experience, his integrity, and his commitment to delivering results for the 42nd District

Support from Leaders Who Know Whatcom County

Majority Leader

Jamie Pedersen

Deputy Majority Leader

Manka Dhingra

WA State Senator

Sharon Shewmake

LD 40 State Representative

Debra Lekanoff

State Representative Ld40

Alex Ramel

Lummi nation chairman

Tony Hillaire

Whatcom County Executive

Whatcom County Executive

Satpal Sidhu

Whatcom CountyCouncilmember

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Todd Donovan

Barry Buchanan

Whatcom County PUD Commissioner

Eddy Ury

Blaine Mayor

Mary Lou Steward

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“We’re facing big challenges—and real opportunities. From strengthening our schools and building an economy that works for everyone, to addressing public safety and protecting the quality of life that makes Whatcom County special, we need leaders who listen, collaborate, and deliver results. That’s why I’m running for State Senate.”

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“Our district deserves a senator who shows up, listens, and works every day to make progress. I’m ready to bring my experience, my optimism, and my determination to the State Senate on behalf of the people who call this community home.”

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Michael Shepard is an educator, community advocate, and three-term Bellingham Port Commissioner. He has taught at Western Washington University, Northwest Indian College, and Whatcom Community College, working to support students and strengthen educational opportunity across the region.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/6c272bc4-aaac-42eb-8990-b7b9b1247e96/525e1b74-42f0-4ef5-9c3d-d98afb1a93e4/525e1b74-42f0-4ef5-9c3d-d98afb1a93e4.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5814%2C4651&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="45" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Elected countywide, Michael has earned a reputation for pragmatic leadership and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. As a Port of Bellingham Commissioner, he has worked closely with community partners, local governments, tribal nations, and industry leaders to advance projects that strengthen our regional economy, protect Whatcom County’s natural resources, expand public access, and create new opportunities for working families.His leadership has helped drive major initiatives in economic development, environmental stewardship, and support for the local fishing, maritime, and small-business sectors—always with a focus on delivering results that make a real difference in people’s lives.<h4>Key Achievements at the Port of Bellingham</h4><ul><li>Modernized and reactivated the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, supporting union, family-wage jobs</li><li>Secured nearly&nbsp;$20M&nbsp;in federal funding to reconnect the terminal with rail access</li><li>Obtained&nbsp;$2M&nbsp;to plan an International Arrivals Terminal at Bellingham International Airport</li><li>Expanded publicly owned, open-access broadband fiber into rural Whatcom County</li><li>Established&nbsp;Seafeast, celebrating local fishing and maritime economies</li><li>Opened the Bellingham Waterfront District, including the Portal Container Village and Waterfront Pump Track</li><li>Supported construction of the Millworks Low-Income Family Housing Development</li><li>Ended the Harcourt master developer contract to put the Waterfront District back on track</li><li>Adopted a&nbsp;Climate Action Plan&nbsp;for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050</li><li>Installed the largest municipal solar energy systems in the county at Bellingham Airport &amp; Cruise Terminal</li><li>Sponsored popular Waterfront District festivals including Fire and Story, Noisy Waters Mural Festival, and Bellingham Tune-Up</li><li>Provided ferry access for Point Roberts residents during the pandemic</li><li>Purchased and preserved a heritage agricultural farm and advanced development of a WSU Berry Lab</li><li>Negotiated a historic sovereignty and permitting agreement with Lummi Nation, establishing Squalicum Harbor as home port for the Lummi commercial fleet</li><li>Partnered with the City to plan a new Waterfront District Skatepark</li><li>Completed a major environmental cleanup of Blaine Harbor</li><li>Designed a new port-managed boatyard planned for operation in 2027</li></ul>

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Addressing the high cost of living

Improving Public Education

Public Safety

Protecting Natural Resources

Safe &amp; Healthy Neighborhoods

<h3>Michael’s priorities reflect Whatcom County.</h3>He’s focused on practical, community-driven solutions that strengthen our schools, grow our economy, and keep our neighborhoods safe.His approach is shaped by listening to the community and working with partners across the county to move meaningful solutions forward.

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Pragmatic Leadership. Community Solutions. Stronger Whatcom County.

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With a record of integrity and real results, Michael is ready to continue serving the county he calls home.

Meet Michael Shepard

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