County

Port of Bellingham Commissioner

District 5

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.

Candidates Compare by issue

Chris Elder

No party listed

Owner, Rivershed SPC (natural resource consulting) · South Fork Valley, Whatcom County

The gist

Supports cleanup of legacy contamination and strict development standards
Supports investing in working-land industries and salmon habitat
Supports trade, airport opportunities and working waterfronts
Supports port representation for rural east county communities
Supports long-term planning for waterfront and industrial growth
Supports protecting farmland and local food systems

More about Chris

View sources (2)

Supports cleanup of legacy contamination and strict development standards
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
“I'll continue supporting cleanup of legacy contamination and hold new development to the highest standards as we face rising seas and weather extremes.”
Supports investing in working-land industries and salmon habitat
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
“We grow our economy by investing in working land industries, restoring salmon habitat, and creating good jobs.”
Supports trade, airport opportunities and working waterfronts
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
“Trade, strategic airport opportunities, defending our working waterfronts — I'll push for these priorities with transparency and accountability.”
Supports port representation for rural east county communities
Priorities
Provided by the campaign · Chris Elder for Port of Bellingham District 5 Committee · votechriselder.com
“Chris believes communities like Acme, Glacier, Maple Falls, South Fork Valley, and other rural areas deserve meaningful representation.”
Supports long-term planning for waterfront and industrial growth
Priorities
Provided by the campaign · Chris Elder for Port of Bellingham District 5 Committee · votechriselder.com
“These decisions deserve careful planning and long-term thinking.”
Supports protecting farmland and local food systems
Priorities
Provided by the campaign · Chris Elder for Port of Bellingham District 5 Committee · votechriselder.com
“Chris has helped protect farmland, expand opportunities for farmers, and support local food systems.”

Shawn Ensley

No party listed

Instrumentation and electrical technician, Cherry Point

The gist

Supports living-wage jobs and projects with clear purpose
Supports port investment across all of Whatcom County
Supports managing the airport, terminals and ferry strategically
Supports fishing, marine trades and waterfront businesses
Supports development that attracts private investment
Pledges transparency and restoring public trust in the Port

More about Shawn

View sources (2)

Supports living-wage jobs and projects with clear purpose
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
“My priorities are creating living wage jobs, investing in projects with clear purpose, and ensuring the Port stays focused on its mission statement”
Supports port investment across all of Whatcom County
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
“throughout all of Whatcom County, not just a few areas influenced by special interests”
Supports managing the airport, terminals and ferry strategically
Ensley for Port
Provided by the campaign · Ensley for Port · ensleyforport.com
“Shawn believes these assets should be managed strategically—supporting local jobs, commerce, tourism, and long-term economic opportunity.”
Supports fishing, marine trades and waterfront businesses
Ensley for Port
Provided by the campaign · Ensley for Port · ensleyforport.com
“Shawn believes Port decisions should support fishing, marine trades, waterfront businesses, and the family-wage jobs they provide”
Supports development that attracts private investment
Ensley for Port
Provided by the campaign · Ensley for Port · ensleyforport.com
“Shawn supports responsible development that attracts private investment, creates good jobs, strengthens our tax base, and keeps the waterfront accessible and useful for the community.”
Pledges transparency and restoring public trust in the Port
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
“I will lead with transparency, common sense, and a commitment to restoring trust, representation, and public confidence to the Port.”

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; 4 issues covered in this race.