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Port of Bellingham Commissioner

District 4

Vote for
1
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The commissioners govern the Port of Bellingham, the countywide port district that runs Bellingham's airport, shipping terminal, marinas and waterfront property, and set its budget and policies.

A new seat: Whatcom County voters approved expanding the Port Commission from three to five members, and all county voters elect both new commissioners. Of the District 4 and District 5 winners, the one with more votes serves a three-year first term and the other a one-year first term.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Paul BurrillNo party listed

    No documented position found.

  • Tor BensonNo party listed

    • Pledges to reverse airport and shipping terminal losses

Housing

  • Paul BurrillNo party listed

    • Supports port industries backing housing and childcare priorities

  • Tor BensonNo party listed

    • Supports planning the waterfront for housing and other uses

Economy & jobs

  • Paul BurrillNo party listed

    • Supports limiting AI in port operations to protect longshore jobs
    • Supports workforce training in marine trades and aviation

  • Tor BensonNo party listed

    • Proposes spending 5% of airport gross revenue on marketing

Roads & infrastructure

  • Paul BurrillNo party listed

    No documented position found.

  • Tor BensonNo party listed

    • Proposes restoring the Denver route and adding Bellingham Airport flights

Environment & parks

  • Paul BurrillNo party listed

    • Supports more public access and upland storage for recreational boaters
    • Supports protecting waterways while promoting growth

  • Tor BensonNo party listed

    • Supports seeking cleanup funds for contaminated waterfront sites

Government & transparency

  • Paul BurrillNo party listed

    No documented position found.

  • Tor BensonNo party listed

    • Proposes a review to buy or sell port-owned properties

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 6 issues covered in this race.