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Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney

Vote for
1
Term
4 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The prosecuting attorney charges and tries crimes in the county and is the county government's lawyer.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Public safety

  • Ryan SwinburnsonStates No Party Preference

    • Supports more accountability for violent offenders, with treatment options
    • Supports consistent charging for repeat offenders and drug dealers
    • Pledges timely charging decisions and training for police

  • Jesse CorkernPrefers Democratic Party

    • Pledges zero-tolerance policies for gun violence

Government & transparency

  • Ryan SwinburnsonStates No Party Preference

    • Pledges mentorship and training for deputy prosecutors

  • Jesse CorkernPrefers Democratic Party

    • Pledges better training to reduce attorney resignations
    • Proposes a leadership team reflecting the community's diversity

Courts & justice

  • Ryan SwinburnsonStates No Party Preference

    • Proposes a Veteran's Court and stronger therapeutic courts
    • Pledges to reduce the case backlog for crime victims

  • Jesse CorkernPrefers Democratic Party

    • Proposes consistent charging standards and attorney specialization
    • Supports creating a Community Court for non-violent offenders

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; 3 issues covered in this race.