Jesse Corkern is a 2026 candidate for Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney.

Jesse was encouraged to run for this position by those who know he has broad and relevant experience that will protect the interests of the people of Whatcom County, and that he will lead with honesty, transparency, respect, and professionalism.

Jesse has been a prosecutor in Whatcom County since 2019 and is currently a Senior Deputy Prosecutor in the Civil Division, representing the County and its employees in litigation and providing legal advice to its various departments. Previously, Jesse prosecuted misdemeanors and serious felonies in the County. Jesse is the only candidate who has experience working in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions of the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office.  Both are important.  Before joining the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Jesse managed his own successful law practice and served as a Prosecutor in Snohomish County.

Jesse enjoys positive, collaborative relationships with Law Enforcement, the County Council, and the County Executive, which are necessary to effectively address the many public safety challenges we face. His honesty, integrity, and professionalism will provide the kind of leadership the people of Whatcom County deserve. Upon his election, Jesse plans to:

• Improve the training and supervision of deputy prosecutors 
• Create clear areas of appropriate specialization
• Develop standards for charging crimes that will be applied equally and consistently in prosecutions
• Vastly improve the time it takes to bring cases to trial
• Work with our Courts and important community resources to develop a Community Court for non-violent offenders
• Create a forward-thinking leadership team that reflects the values and growing diversity of our community

His experience as both a criminal defense lawyer and a prosecutor in multiple jurisdictions has provided him with broad perspective that will allow him to bring fresh ideas to the job of County Prosecuting Attorney.

Born into a military family, Jesse learned in his early teens about the dignity of work. Odd jobs in construction, landscaping, food service, pizza delivery and operating farm equipment provided him with the funds for college and law school. After graduating from Willamette University College of Law in 2006, with awards for excellence in trial advocacy, Jesse developed a successful career as a trial lawyer.

Jesse and his wife, Haley DeBell, an Assistant Attorney General, have a busy Bellingham household of three active children, ages 18, 14, and 11.  Jesse has volunteered in our community as a soccer coach and as a volunteer at the Emergency Operations Center during the COVID pandemic. He regularly runs the trails at Lake Padden and hikes, bikes, and skis with his family.