Why This RWWC Meeting Mattered

By Tonya Hickman September 1, 2026

Today’s Republican Women of Whatcom County (RWWC) meeting may have been one of the most important meetings to attend this year. We had the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about not only what they believe, but what they intend to do if elected. And that distinction matters.

As conservatives, there are many ways we can support candidates and principles we believe in. And for those of us whose conservative convictions are grounded in our Christian faith, we also believe deeply in the power of prayer. But prayer should not become a substitute for participation. We can pray and be informed. We can pray and vote. We can pray and give. We can pray and volunteer. We can pray and have conversations with the people God has placed within our sphere of influence. Because unless we know what candidates actually value, what these elected positions entail, and how their decisions affect our daily lives, it is incredibly easy to tune out local elections. And local elections matter.

Everything begins locally. The people we elect here help shape the safety of our communities, the strength of our economy, the opportunities available to our families, and ultimately the direction of our state. If we want to see something different in Washington, getting informed and involved right here at home is a good place to start.

Investing in the Next Generation - Young America Foundation Attendees

Before hearing from the candidates, we heard from two young men, Tobin Jobes and Justus Hollister, who attended a Young America’s Foundation high school conference in Santa Barbara this summer. Their remarks were an encouraging reminder of why investing in young conservatives matters.

Tobin talked about meeting students from across the country, learning from conservative speakers, saying yes to opportunities, and surrounding yourself with people you can learn from.

Justus described the encouragement of being among roughly 400 high school students who shared convictions about faith, freedom, limited government, and American principles. He said some of the most valuable moments happened outside the formal sessions, as students talked with one another about what was happening in their schools and how they could make a difference when they returned home.

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Both expressed gratitude to those whose financial support helped make the experience possible.

That is an investment worth making.

We need to recognize young people in our own community who are willing to stand for conservative principles, encourage them, open doors for them, and help prepare the next generation to lead.

Ken Bell: Why These Elections Matter

Former Port of Bellingham Commissioner Ken Bell moderated our candidate forum and began with numbers that should get our attention. Whatcom County’s population has increased significantly, yet voter turnout has not kept pace.

Ken shared that countywide turnout declined approximately 2.7 percent, with turnout dropping in several communities where conservative voters traditionally have strength—including unincorporated Whatcom County, Sumas, Everson, and Lynden—while turnout increased in Bellingham and Ferndale. Ken’s message went beyond turnout.

He helped connect the dots between the different races before us. We may vote for these positions separately on a ballot, but the decisions made by each of these elected officials ultimately meet in the same place: the everyday lives of people and families in Whatcom County.

The affordability of living here, the safety of our neighborhoods, the strength of our local economy, the availability of good jobs, the taxes we pay, and the opportunities available to the next generation are all influenced by the people we elect.

That is why understanding these positions—and the people seeking them—matters.

Ken challenged us not to leave simply thinking, “I liked that candidate.”

Remember something specific.

What problem are they trying to solve? What do they value? What can you tell your neighbor about them?

And throughout the forum, Ken kept pushing candidates one step further:

How are you actually going to accomplish it?

That challenge became a helpful way to listen to each candidate.

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Justin Pike — State Representative, Position 2, 42nd District

A state representative helps write and vote on Washington’s laws, taxes, state budget, and public policies—including decisions affecting housing, education, public safety, behavioral health, and the cost of living.

Justin Pike brings the perspective of both a small-business owner and someone working in law enforcement. He sees firsthand how policies coming out of Olympia affect the ability of small businesses to operate and grow, while his law-enforcement experience gives him a front-row view of why accountability, public safety, and effective policy matter.

Justin focused on housing affordability, behavioral health and the drug crisis, and government accountability and transparency.

He connected housing affordability with expanding Career and Technical Education, creating pathways for young people to gain paid skilled-trade experience while still in high school and graduate prepared for livable-wage careers.

On behavioral health, Justin called for better coordination between treatment, recovery, housing, and other services rather than allowing people to continually cycle through crisis systems. But one of his strongest themes was accountability. Justin argued that every social program receiving taxpayer money should have to demonstrate whether it is actually helping or hurting. He cited roughly $15 million intended to help hire police officers, yet only two officers were ultimately hired in Seattle.

His question was essentially: Where are the results?

If programs work, prove it. If they don't, change them.

Justin also emphasized something campaigns know firsthand: door knocking works. He described significant differences between precincts where volunteers reached voters and those where they did not.

What to remember about Justin: a small-business and law-enforcement perspective, workforce development, coordinated behavioral-health solutions, public safety, measurable outcomes, and accountability for taxpayer dollars.

Misty Flowers — State Representative, Position 1, 42nd District

A state representative serves the same legislative role regardless of position number. Position 1 and Position 2 are the district’s two separately elected House seats; both representatives vote on state laws, taxes, budgets, and policy.

Misty Flowers currently serves as Chair of the Whatcom County Republican Party, bringing experience in local politics and an understanding of the issues affecting Whatcom County families.

Misty centered her message on affordability and accountability. She called for repealing the Climate Commitment Act and the income tax, pointing to the cumulative impact state policies are having on gasoline, electricity, groceries, housing, and everyday expenses.

She also challenged government programs that perpetuate dependency rather than helping people move toward independence, pointing to Lydia Place as an example of helping people eventually become self-supporting.

Importantly, Misty talked about educating legislators across the aisle about how their policies are actually affecting Washingtonians. Her approach isn't simply to oppose them, but to help them understand the real-world consequences of the policies they support—and encourage them to do what is right for the people they represent rather than simply going along with their party. She also emphasized election integrity and expressed support for returning to in-person voting.

What to remember about Misty: affordability, accountability, independence over dependency, repealing the Climate Commitment Act and income tax, and a willingness to engage and educate those across the aisle about how policies coming out of Olympia are affecting Washington families.

Ryan Swinburnson — Whatcom County Prosecutor

The Whatcom County Prosecutor is the county’s elected chief prosecutor, leading the office that makes criminal charging decisions, prosecutes crimes, supervises deputy prosecutors, and plays a major role in how justice and public safety are administered locally.

Ryan Swinburnson brings nearly 27 years of legal experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.

His message centered on three things: deterrence, accountability, and safety.

Ryan pointed to the loss of 19 felony prosecutors over four years and argued that the office needs experienced, present leadership. He wants stronger training and development of prosecutors, better charging and case-management decisions, and greater accountability from the beginning of a case through its resolution.

He also emphasized that consequences need to be consistent and predictable for repeat offenders, violent offenders, and drug dealers. Not everyone belongs in jail, but consequences must mean something if they are going to deter continued criminal behavior.

At the same time, Ryan supports therapeutic courts and wants stronger recovery and mental-health pathways. He stressed that support shouldn’t end when someone graduates from a program; continued connections to treatment, sobriety support, housing, and other services can help people remain stable and avoid returning to the system.

Ryan also sees the elected prosecutor as a community leader—someone who should be visible, engaged, and willing to advocate for the resources that help make both accountability and successful recovery possible.

For Ryan, accountability works both ways: offenders should be accountable for their choices, and the Prosecutor’s Office should be accountable for competent leadership and protecting the public.

We deserve to live in safe communities.

What to remember about Ryan: experienced leadership, meaningful deterrence and predictable consequences, accountability within the Prosecutor’s Office, stronger recovery pathways, and a prosecutor who is actively engaged in making Whatcom County safer.

Paul Burrill — Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 4

Port commissioners govern the Port of Bellingham, overseeing economic-development and transportation assets such as marine terminals, marinas, waterfront property, industrial development, and Bellingham International Airport. Their decisions influence jobs, trade, infrastructure, and economic opportunity throughout Whatcom County.

Paul Burrill, a longtime commercial fisherman and small-business owner, wants to “supercharge the waterfront” while ensuring growth benefits the people who already live here.

He supports carefully managed tourism, rail and freight infrastructure, expanded airport cargo capacity, and stronger economic connections with Alaska.

Paul also sees opportunities to support local agriculture, berry growers, fisheries, and other businesses through transportation and cold-storage infrastructure.

His approach emphasizes public-private partnerships rather than expecting taxpayers to fund every project. He wants the Port to create the conditions for private investment, good-paying jobs, and economic growth.

What to remember about Paul: a productive working waterfront, freight and rail infrastructure, Alaska trade, controlled tourism, and private investment that creates jobs.

Shawn Ensley — Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 5

Like District 4, District 5 elects a commissioner to the Port of Bellingham Commission. Commissioners collectively make decisions affecting Port property, transportation, economic development, waterfront industry, and jobs throughout the county.

Shawn Ensley described the waterfront as an economic engine for Whatcom County.

He supports getting the shipping terminal operating, expanding rail infrastructure, preserving a working waterfront, and creating the kind of working-class jobs that allow local families to afford homes.

Shawn also supports smaller and midsized cruise ships that would begin and end trips here—bringing travelers through our airport and into local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

He sees untapped potential in Blaine as well, particularly through investment in the boatyard, ship-repair facilities, and potentially a fuel dock.

His message was to use our limited waterfront strategically for jobs, industry, transportation, and economic opportunity.

What to remember about Shawn: family-supporting jobs, shipping and rail infrastructure, protecting our working waterfront, and developing economic opportunities in both Bellingham and Blaine.

Accountability Was the Common Thread

Listening to the candidates, one word continued to surface:

Accountability.

Justin talked about accountability for government programs: if taxpayers fund something, show us whether it works.

Misty talked about accountability for lawmakers: if policies are hurting Washington families, elected officials should be willing to change course rather than simply follow their party.

Ryan talked about accountability in our justice system: consequences should deter criminal behavior, and citizens should be able to trust that the Prosecutor’s Office is doing its job.

Different responsibilities, but each ultimately affects the same community.

Government should work. Taxpayer dollars should produce results. Laws should mean something. And elected officials should remain accountable to the people they serve.

When I talk with people, I often ask a very simple question:

Are things in Washington getting better or worse?

After more than four decades of Democratic control in our state, what do we have to show for it?

We have more taxes, more social programs, and more government spending.

But are Washington families thriving?

Can young families afford homes? Is everyday life becoming more affordable? Are our communities safer? Are addiction and homelessness improving? Are the programs receiving more and more taxpayer dollars actually producing better outcomes?

Washington families are being hurt by many of these policies, and decades of one-party rule have made it far too easy for the status quo to continue without meaningful accountability.

That doesn't mean we simply complain about the other party. It means we ask better questions, look honestly at results, and elect people willing to challenge policies that aren't working. It means we get involved.

That is what encouraged me about the candidates we heard from today. They are willing to ask whether government is actually producing results for the people it serves.

Nancy Button: Your Sphere of Influence Matters

Nancy Button also gave an important legislative update and reinforced another theme that ran throughout the meeting: we cannot expect candidates to do this alone.

Financial contributions matter. Volunteers matter. But so do conversations.

Campaigns cost money, and donating—even when we cannot give a large amount—is one tangible way to hel

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p candidates communicate their message and reach voters.

Nancy also challenged us to recognize the influence we already have.

Every one of us has a sphere of influence—family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, church members, and people who trust us enough to listen when we tell them why something matters.

She encouraged us to help those people understand what is happening around them and why this election matters.

Nancy's update also highlighted candidates beyond those who spoke at today's meeting: Cindy Carter for State Representative in the 40th District Position 1, Erika Creydt for State Senate in the 42nd District, and Edwin Feller for U.S. House District 2, along with the candidates we heard from today.

She also reminded us that five Washington Supreme Court seats are up for election, highlighting Scott Edwards, David Stevens, Dave Larson, and Todd Bloom.

Nancy encouraged a YES vote on three November ballot initiatives:

I-645 — Repeal the newly enacted income taxI-638 — Girls’ Sports for Girls OnlyI-001 — Parents’ Rights in Schools

Her larger point was simple: know what is happening, and then share what you know.

We each have relationships and a sphere of influence that no campaign can duplicate.

Those conversations matter.

Sally Mickley: Reaching Our Churches

Sally Mickley brought the conversation directly into our churches.

Sally is looking for women willing to serve as RWWC church liaisons in congregations throughout Whatcom County. Personally this is where I feel called to serve. 

She shared the sobering statistic that 1.3 million Christians in Washington State do not vote.

Her invitation was simple: prayerfully consider signing up to learn more. You do not have to make an immediate commitment, and you do not have to do it alone.

Sally encouraged women to find others within their churches who would be willing to work alongside them, helping congregations understand what is happening in our community and state and why civic engagement matters. Policies coming out of Olympia are affecting our families, our communities, and many of the values we hold dear. The church needs to understand what those policies actually do and how they affect the people we love. We cannot respond to what we don't know.

She also shared an encouraging example from her own church, where a new Salt and Light committee drew 27 people to its first meeting.

There are people who want to engage. Sometimes someone simply needs to open the door.

Sally ended by reminding us that this is not only about the next election. It is about our children, our grandchildren, our communities, and ultimately our responsibility before the King of Kings.

Alisha Smith: There Is a Place to Serve

Alisha Smith also encouraged attendees to think about where they might personally step in and help.

Not everyone has to run for office or be an expert on politics to make a difference. Campaigns and local organizations need ordinary people willing to give some of their time and learn along the way.

Alisha encouraged those who want to become more involved to consider serving as a Precinct Committee Officer, or PCO—one of the most grassroots opportunities to help connect people in our neighborhoods with candidates, information, and elections.

If you have never done anything like this before, don't let that stop you.

You don't need to know what you're doing before you get involved. You can learn.

Sometimes the first step is simply showing up and asking, “Where can I help?”

What Will You Do With It?

Washington families are hurting. It isn't only about higher taxes or the cost of groceries, housing, and energy. We have to look honestly at whether people are thriving—and at the human consequences when policies surrounding addiction, homelessness, crime, and public safety fail.

Some policies have real, even life-and-death, consequences.

After decades of one-party rule in Olympia, it is time to ask whether what we are doing is working. If it isn't, we need to be willing to do something different.

And that starts with being willing to have some hard, uncomfortable conversations.

Talk to the people in your sphere of influence. Ask if they're registered to vote. Ask if they know what's on their ballot. Ask if they know who is running and how the decisions coming out of Olympia are affecting their families and communities.

And for those of us in the church, don't assume the person sitting beside you on Sunday is voting. Sally shared that 1.3 million Christians in Washington State do not vote. Ask. Encourage them to get informed, get registered, and participate.

Then find a way to help.

Pray. Give. Volunteer. Knock doors. Make calls. Talk to your neighbors.

You don't have to be politically savvy. You don't have to know what you're doing before you show up. You can learn. Someone will show you how to knock your first door, make your first call, or help with your first campaign.

Good candidates cannot reach everyone themselves. They need ordinary people willing to step outside their comfort zones and help.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day.

Could you set aside some of yours to make a difference?

Washington families need something different.

The time to get involved is now.