Michael Alvarez Shepard
Candidate for State Senator, 42nd Legislative District
Background
- Occupation
- Port of Bellingham Commissioner; Western Washington University faculty
- Campaign website
- shepardforsenate.com
Port of Bellingham Commissioner in his third term and a faculty member in Western Washington University's anthropology department. Holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of British Columbia.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Pledges to work to bring down living costs
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“In the State Senate, I'll work to bring down costs.”
Education
Supports investing in pre-K through college and apprenticeships
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“I'll invest in high-quality Pre-K, K-12, and postsecondary education, including college, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and adult retraining.”
Housing
Supports expanding safe, affordable housing
ReportIssues — Michael Shepard for State SenateCampaign website · shepardforsenate.com
“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.”
Economy & jobs
Supports job growth paired with environmental protection
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“we need that same kind of focus on jobs, and building a strong, sustainable economy at the state level”
Issues — Michael Shepard for State SenateCampaign website · shepardforsenate.com
“Protecting our environment and a strong economy go hand in hand.”
Roads & infrastructure
Supported rural broadband expansion as port commissioner
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“We modernized our shipping terminal, expanded broadband internet into rural areas, opened the waterfront district, and cleaned up Blaine Harbor.”
Environment & parks
Supports protecting public lands
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“I also strongly support public safety, environmental sustainability, the protection of public lands”
Health & human services
Supports abortion rights and access to reproductive care
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“I am 100% pro-choice”
Issues — Michael Shepard for State SenateCampaign website · shepardforsenate.com
“Ensuring safe and easy access to reproductive health care.”
All sources (5)
- Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election (statewide and district contests)
Election filing · Washington Secretary of State · voter.votewa.gov
- Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election: Whatcom County
Election filing · Washington Secretary of State · voter.votewa.gov
- Sample Ballot, General and Special Election, November 3, 2026
Election filing · Whatcom County Auditor · whatcomcounty.us
- Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
- Issues — Michael Shepard for State Senate
Campaign website · shepardforsenate.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.