Washington State Senate District 42

Current seat holder: Sharon Shewmake.

Erika Creydt

Erika Creydt Elected experience: Longest serving Blaine School Board Director. Advocate for early learning, great teachers, and accountability so tax dollars pay for what was promised!; Professional experience: Business owner, Psychologist, and Clinical Director, TouchStone Counseling. Youth counselor, 22 years. Conducted Psychological Assessments in Chicago Catholic Schools for special needs. Taught graduate classes at Adler University.

· WA Secretary of State 2026 Voters' Pamphlet

Campaign site

“This isn’t only an affordability crisis, it’s a mental health crisis, too. Whatcom County should be a place where hard work builds a life, not a constant fear of one bill wiping you out.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“My campaign is about hope and hard work. If you send me to Olympia, I won’t forget who I work for. With your support, we can restore Whatcom County to the safe, affordable and prosperous home we know it should be.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“Together, we can identify solutions that strengthen our community and create opportunities for future generations.” (Campaign website (erikaforwhatcom.com))

Michael Alvarez Shepard

Michael Alvarez Shepard Elected experience: Port Commissioner in his third term; former Democratic precinct committee officer; Professional experience: Western Washington University Anthropology Department faculty member; instructor for incarcerated student prison education program. Previously, an eLearning Director at Whatcom Community College and Cultural Documentation Coordinator at Northwest Indian College.

· WA Secretary of State 2026 Voters' Pamphlet

Campaign site

“Other Professional Experience Western Washington University Anthropology Department faculty member; instructor for incarcerated student prison education program. Previously, an eLearning Director at Whatcom Community College and Cultural Documentation Coordinator at Northwest Indian College.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“Education Ph.D in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. M.A. in Anthropology and B.A. in Environmental Studies from Western Washington University.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“Community Service Whatcom County Economic Investment Board Member, Former Lummi Tribal Schools Marine Trades Advisory Committee, Whatcom County Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee, and Kulshan Community Land Trust Board of Trustees member.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)