Sheriff’s detective challenging two-term House member in Whatcom County 42nd
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2026 Primary Election Coverage
A collection of articles introducing candidates for Whatcom County’s Aug. 4 primary election.
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Head of Whatcom County GOP challenges three-term state House member in 42nd
Sheriff’s detective challenges two-term House member in Whatcom County 42nd
Political newcomer Justin Pike is challenging state Rep. Joe Timmons, D-Bellingham, who is running for a third straight two-year term for the 42nd Legislative District House Position 2, one of two House seats in the district. The 42nd District includes the northern neighborhoods of Bellingham and the northern part of Whatcom County.
Voters in the 42nd District elected three Democrats to the Legislature in 2022, taking control of a district that had been represented by Republicans for more than a decade.
Ballots were mailed to all registered voters July 15 and must be postmarked — not just mailed — by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, or returned to a special drop box by that time. Voters can check the status of their ballot at votewa.gov. Drop box locations, candidate statements and other election information is at the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office website.
According to the state’s “top two” primary rules, the two candidates with the most votes in the Aug. 4 primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, regardless of party affiliation. Since there are only two people running, both likely will advance. Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot.
Joe Timmons
Before his election to the state House in 2022, Timmons served as Gov. Jay Inslee’s regional representative in Northwest Washington. He has degrees from Western Washington University and the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington.
In the most recent legislative session, Timmons advocated for state funding for Whatcom County, including projects supporting housing, behavioral health and child care.
In the House, Timmons is the assistant speaker pro tem, and he serves on the Washington Marine Resources Advisory Council, Washington State Leadership Board, and the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce, Rules, Housing and Transportation committees.
“My family feels the impact of rising costs just like you do,” Timmons said in his candidate’s statement. That’s why as your state representative, I’ve worked hard to lower costs for seniors, improve public safety and increase access to education, housing, and healthcare. I’ve supported small businesses so they can create living wage jobs in our community. Each legislative session, I’ve helped secure millions in state funding for local projects including flood protection, community centers, and an emergency response facility.”
Timmons is endorsed by the Whatcom Democrats and has received backing from a range of national, statewide and local elected officials, according to his campaign website. He’s supported by several local unions, including the Northwest Central Labor Council, the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 106 (Bellingham-Whatcom County Firefighters), environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club and educational unions such as the Washington Education Association.
He had raised $80,022 for his campaign though July 14, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. About $8,700 came from individual donations and $16,000 from political-action committees.
Justin Pike
Justin Pike of Ferndale is a detective with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, where he also served as a patrol deputy. He is running as a Republican.
Pike also served with the Ferndale Police Department, both as a patrol officer and as a detective, and with the Lummi Nation Police Department. He served as a cavalry scout with armored units in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2006, rising to the rank of sergeant. He was stationed in South Korea, Colorado and served a tour in Iraq. He has continued serving in the Washington Army National Guard and is now a master sergeant, where he has performed various duties. In addition, Pike runs a small business, Ferndale Laundry.
This is Pike’s first bid for public office, but he has served as elected vice president and president of a law-enforcement guild.
“After nearly two decades in law enforcement, often sitting at kitchen tables on people’s hardest days, I have learned that people come before politics,” Pike said in his candidate’s statement. “I am running to lower living costs, strengthen public safety by addressing the behavioral health crisis, and bring accountability and transparency to state government.”
Pike is endorsed by the Whatcom Republicans.
“This is where I was raised. Where my family built their lives. Where my children are growing up. When I talk about protecting our community, I’m talking about protecting the place that shaped me, and the people who trusted me to serve them,” Pike said at his website.
He had raised $115,634 for his campaign though July 14, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. His PDC statements show $28,000 in individual contributions and $72,000 from the Republican Caucus.
