You probably heard the noise before you saw the numbers. Between the yard signs cluttering the Guide Meridian and the non-stop mailers, the 2025 Whatcom County election cycle felt like a marathon. Now that the dust has settled and the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office has certified the tallies, we can finally look at the whatcom county election results without the campaign spin. Honestly, if you were expecting a massive political earthquake, you might be a little disappointed—or relieved.
The big story isn't just who won, but how the "incumbent wall" held firm while the county's legislative body took a noticeable turn toward the left. We saw a voter turnout of roughly 45.18%, which, let's be real, is pretty low compared to presidential years, but actually typical for an "off-off" year. Basically, less than half of the 169,232 registered voters decided the direction of our local taxes, schools, and land-use policies for the next four years.
The Night the Incumbents Stayed Put
Bellingham’s City Council races were supposed to be a referendum on housing and public safety. At least, that’s what the challengers hoped. Instead, it was a clean sweep for the status quo. Michael Lilliquist, Hollie Huthman, and Skip Williams all cruised back into their seats with comfortable margins.
Lilliquist, representing Ward 6, faced a spirited challenge from Andrew Reding. It wasn't particularly close in the end, with Lilliquist pulling in about 58% of the vote. Over in Ward 2, Hollie Huthman secured a massive 64% against Leah Wainman. It seems like the "collaborative relationship" between the council and the mayor’s office—something Huthman campaigned on—really resonated with the folks who actually bothered to mail in their ballots.
Skip Williams also held off Kerri Burnside in Ward 4, snagging nearly 63% of the vote. Burnside had run on a platform of "outsider" advocacy, but Williams’ experience seemed to weigh heavier for the Bellingham electorate.
New Faces and a Leftward Shift on County Council
While the city stayed the course, the Whatcom County Council had some mandatory openings. Todd Donovan didn't seek re-election for District 2, and Tyler Byrd got knocked out way back in the August primary. This left the door wide open for some fresh blood, and the results suggest a "progressive takeover" isn't just hyperbole from the local pundits.
Elizabeth Boyle, a small business owner, absolutely dominated District 2. She took home over 71% of the vote against Maya Morales. This wasn't just a win; it was a mandate. In District 3, the race was a bit more traditional: a "nurse vs. mayor" showdown. Jessica Rienstra ended up beating former Sumas Mayor Kyle Christensen with 57%.
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Perhaps the most watched race was the At-Large seat. Barry Buchanan, the veteran incumbent, faced Misty Flowers. Flowers ran a campaign that appealed to the more conservative, "medical freedom" wing of the county, but Buchanan’s deep roots in local governance proved too much to overcome. He secured 63% of the vote. With these wins, the County Council now has a very clear, very progressive majority that is likely to move fast on climate policy and tenant protections.
The Port of Bellingham Shocker
If there was a "hold my coffee" moment in the whatcom county election results, it happened at the Port. For a while there, it looked like incumbent Ken Bell was going to hold on. On election night, he had a razor-thin lead. But as the late ballots—which traditionally trend younger and more progressive in Whatcom—started trickling in, the tide turned.
Carly James ended up eking out a win with 50.94% of the vote. It was a difference of fewer than 1,500 votes. This is huge because the Port has long been seen as the more "conservative" or business-focused entity in the local government ecosystem. James’ win, combined with Michael Shepard’s unopposed re-election, signals a massive shift in how the Port might handle land development and environmental stewardship at the waterfront.
Schools, Levies, and the Wallet
We can't talk about elections without talking about money. Voters were asked to open their wallets for several school districts, and the results were a mixed bag that tells us a lot about the current economic anxiety.
Bellingham School District (501) had no trouble. Both Proposition 2025-05 (Operations) and 2025-06 (Facilities) passed with flying colors—roughly 68% and 64% respectively. Jenn Mason also kept her seat on the school board with a crushing 76% victory.
However, move north to Lynden, and the story changes. The Lynden School District’s Proposition 2025-09, a general obligation bond for new construction, failed. It was close—48% "Yes" to 51% "No"—but in Washington, these bonds need a 60% supermajority to pass anyway. So it wasn't even in the ballpark. This highlights a growing divide between the urban center of Bellingham and the more rural, tax-wary parts of the county.
A Quick Glance at the Proposition Scorecard
Honestly, keeping track of the charter amendments is a headache. There were over a dozen of them. Here’s the gist of what people liked and what they hated:
- The "Yes" Pile: Performance audits (85%), clarifying the duties of elected officials (92%), and prohibiting the county from interfering with initiatives (60%). People generally want more transparency and less meddling.
- The "No" Pile: Voters flatly rejected the idea of giving County Council members dedicated aides (62% against). They also weren't feeling the new Office of the Ombuds (52% against).
- The Port Expansion: Proposition 2025-04 passed. This means the Port Commission will eventually grow from three members to five. The idea here is more representation, and 65% of you agreed.
Tenant Rights and Local Initiatives
Bellingham and Ferndale both had rental-related measures on the ballot. In Bellingham, Initiative 25-03 passed with 73%. It basically stops landlords from interfering with tenants who are trying to organize or engage in "protected activities."
Ferndale went even further. Initiative 25-01, which puts restrictions on rental fees, passed with nearly 70% approval. This is a clear signal to local lawmakers: people are drowning in housing costs, and they want the government to step in, even in the more traditionally conservative suburbs.
Why the 45% Turnout Matters
Some people look at 45% turnout and think, "Hey, that’s better than the national average for local years!" Others see it as a failure. When you realize that 55% of the county didn't weigh in on who runs our jails, who sets our property tax rates, and who manages our water rights, the results feel a little more fragile.
The "incumbent advantage" is real because the people who vote consistently are often the ones who are relatively happy—or at least comfortable—with the way things are going. The "backlash" that some predicted against the current council's handling of homelessness didn't really materialize at the ballot box. Why? Maybe because the challengers didn't offer a specific enough alternative, or maybe because the critics didn't show up to vote.
Actionable Steps for Whatcom Residents
Now that the 2025 cycle is officially in the history books, you shouldn't just wait until 2026 or 2028 to care again. Here is what you can actually do with this information:
- Track the New Council: Elizabeth Boyle and Jessica Rienstra are now your representatives. If you live in District 2 or 3, find out when their "coffee hours" are. New members are often the most eager to hear from constituents.
- Monitor the Port: With the Port Commission expanding to five members soon, keep an eye on the redistricting process. This will change who represents you on the waterfront.
- Prepare for 2026: We have a February Special Election coming up (though Whatcom often skips this one if there are no resolutions). The next big one is the August 4, 2026, Primary.
- Update Your Registration: If you moved during the campaign (a lot of people do!), go to VoteWA.gov and make sure your address is current so you actually get your ballot for the next round.
The whatcom county election results show a community that is leaning into progressive leadership while simultaneously being very cautious about government expansion (like those rejected council aides). It’s a weird, nuanced balance that only happens in a place like Whatcom. Stay engaged, because the decisions made by these winners over the next twelve months will affect your rent, your property taxes, and your kids' classrooms long before the next yard sign appears on your lawn.