Friend -

We have some exciting news to share: Bellingham Port Commissioner Michael Shepard is officially running to keep Washington’s 42nd Legislative District blue.

With Senator Sharon Shewmake retiring from the Senate to spend more time with her family, the 42nd will have an open Senate seat this year— and Michael is stepping up to lead.

A longtime Whatcom County resident, Port Commissioner focused on economic development, and WWU Professor of Anthropology, Michael has deep community roots and a long record of public service. He’s running because he believes in practical problem-solving and in helping people build more stable, secure lives in his community.

His campaign is centered on the issues that matter most:

• Lowering costs for working families
   
• Strengthening public education
   
• Addressing public safety
   
• Protecting our natural resources and environment

Michael is launching his campaign with broad support, including Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, Deputy Majority Leader Manka Dhingra, Senator Sharon Shewmake, Representatives Debra Lekanoff and Alex Ramel, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, and many other community leaders.

But the 42nd is a true swing district— and it will take everything we have to keep it blue. A strong start is critical to keeping this seat out of Republican hands.

Will you chip in $25, $50, or $100 today to help Michael build the campaign we need to win?

To learn more about Michael, visit www.shepardforsenate.com.

Thank you for your support.

-Team WSDC