“As an attorney who practices criminal defense almost exclusively, my relationship with the Prosecutor's office and how it’s run are crucially important. Not just to me and my clients, but to how the Whatcom County criminal justice system functions and delivers fairness and justice to all stakeholders, victims, defendants, counsel -- both private and public -- and the Bench. In my 22 years practicing in Whatcom County, I have rarely encountered an attorney more suited to running such a crucial part of the system than Jesse Corkern. I’ve only dealt with Jesse as a prosecutor, but it’s easy to see that he’s also spent time on the defense side of the aisle which gives him a fuller understanding and appreciation of how the system works, or as is too often the case, doesn’t work. That doesn’t mean he was a softy or pushover when it comes to prosecuting tough cases, only that he doesn’t treat every case the same way. And now he has the added experience of having practiced on the civil (non-criminal) side of the prosecutor’s office. In short, I think Jesse would be an excellent choice for Whatcom County Prosecutor. He has my support and will have my vote.”

“I have worked as opposing counsel with Jesse in both Civil and Criminal cases and have found him to be a lawyer of integrity, common sense, and compassion. I think this combination of skills makes him an excellent candidate for Whatcom County’s Prosecuting Attorney. I believe Jesse has the temperament to strike the proper balance of compassion and a commitment to public safety and the integrity to lead a successful team of prosecutors to execute his vision. Jesse also understands the complexities of the civil responsibilities of the Whatcom County Prosecutor which is an important, but often overlooked, role. Jesse has my full endorsement.”

“I’ve known and worked with Jesse Corkern for more than a decade. I first met Jesse when he was a defense attorney. Jesse had a wealth of knowledge, and I very much appreciated how he was always available for a consultation.

Since then, I have handled many cases where Jesse was the prosecuting attorney. Jesse is a fair, equitable and compassionate prosecutor. For as long as I’ve known him, Jesse has been willing to consider the individual circumstances of defendants while weighing them carefully and conscientiously against the interests of the State.

If there was only one quote I could choose to describe Jesse as a prosecutor, it’s from a discussion we had a few years back. During that discussion Jesse said, “we’re dealing with human beings here, not just a name on a file.” I think that sums up why Jesse should be the next Whatcom County Prosecutor.

Whatcom County has changed a lot in the past 50 years. Accordingly, the needs of our neighbors, our businesses, and our families have similarly changed. Whatcom County deserves a prosecuting attorney who understands those changes and, most importantly, has the vision and the drive to try new approaches to address our new paradigm.

I’m honored and excited to endorse Jesse Corkern. I believe he will lead the way to a brighter future for everyone.”

“I am really excited about what Jesse is going to do for our community.”

“Excited about the future of the Prosecutor's Office under your leadership.”

“Cece and I are proud to support men of bravery, men of vision, men of action. Those that have all three in leadership positions are in short supply. We are crying out for them in our society.

Jesse, I think you have all three. You displayed bravery in first making the hard choice and choosing the rough road. Convinced that it was the right one. Vision with acknowledging the past, and planning opportunities for improvement going forward.

I believe in you, and the path you want to take for this position. Ideas should always win over politics. You will be the first Democrat that I will be proudly casting my vote for. I'm excited to watch your journey and look forward to your achievements!”

“I have known Jesse for many, many years. He's an exceptional attorney and the type of leader Whatcom County needs. I endorse Jesse for Whatcom County Prosecutor. ”

“I wanted to write to share why I am supporting Jesse Corkern for Whatcom County Prosecutor. I am writing in my personal capacity, although I am sharing my experience working with Jesse from my seat on the County Council. The County Council gets a lot of face time with Jesse. He briefs us often on legal matters facing the county. When discussing legal issues, Jesse is calm, lays out the facts clearly, and comes up with ideas for how to solve the problem.

Following the $225,000 sexual harassment settlement in 2023 involving the former county Public Works director, I worked with Councilmembers Donovan and Galloway to strengthen county oversight and accountability, including codifying and expanding the county's Risk Management Working Group. Jesse was instrumental in advising Councilmembers Donovan, Galloway, and me as we developed that ordinance and has since played a leading role in the working group, helping turn the lessons from the 2023 incident and the subsequent independent HR review into stronger county practices.

I was also able to see Jesse’s legal work up close when he served as my county-provided lawyer when I was deposed in a court case against the county. The opposing counsel was tough and got frustrated at times. Jesse remained composed throughout. It was good to have him by my side. After that experience, when he told me last year that he was running for Prosecutor, I thought: if I think he was a good lawyer for me, he’ll be a good lawyer for all of Whatcom County.

Please support Jesse with your vote.

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“I greatly enjoy working with Jesse Corkern and have full confidence in his ability to be our next Prosecuting Attorney. His years of experience will propel the county to new levels. His trusted leadership inspires hope for the future.”

“Being an elected Prosecuting Attorney is a multi-faceted job. The position requires more than just being a courtroom litigator. The Prosecuting Attorney must also be able to effectively engage with and offer advice to other elected officials and departments across county government. One doesn’t gain that breadth of knowledge and skill by being solely a criminal deputy prosecutor. Jesse Corkern’s skill and experience within and outside the Prosecutor’s Office makes him the only candidate who can meet all those needs. His ethics and character make him the person we need as our next Prosecuting Attorney.”

“Jesse Corkern understands that strong public service starts with strong leadership. True leadership isn’t protecting the status quo -- but fixing what’s broken. Having worked in both the criminal and civil divisions of the Prosecutor’s Office, Jesse knows what needs to be fixed and has a plan! Jesse Corkern has the experience, character, and vision to revitalize the Prosecutor’s Office and restore confidence in its mission.”

“We appreciate Jesse Corkern’s commitment to working families, good jobs, and the issues that matter most to working people throughout our communities.”

“Honesty, integrity, collaboration, and trusted leadership. This is where you cast your vote!”

“Jesse Corkern has what it takes to lead and to bring positive change to this crucially important office for our community – he has integrity and good character, and I’m so impressed by his breadth of professional experience, his organizational skill, his considerable interpersonal talents, and his real vision for the prosecutor’s office. He has earned the respect and overwhelming support of his colleagues and has my enthusiastic support to be our next Prosecuting Attorney.”

“Jesse Corkern will be a strong and effective Prosecuting Attorney. He has a vision and the experience to help create the kind of future our children deserve.”

“I'm voting for Jesse Corkern for Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney because has both criminal and civil legal experience. As a retired civil litigator myself, I can attest that understanding the civil side -- which includes critical elements like environmental protection, land use planning and permitting decisions, and public health -- should be required in our Prosecuting Attorney. And yet, all too often, this is something Prosecuting Attorneys lack, or don't emphasize. ”

“IUOE Local 302 represents 15,000 workers across Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Our members build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps our communities functioning, from roads and bridges to schools and hospitals.

We proudly endorse candidates who understand and stand up for the priorities of rank-and-file Operating Engineers and their families.”

“The race for Whatcom County prosecutor is the most important local election of the year. The power wielded by the county prosecutor is arguably greater than any office in county government. The prosecutor has the power to strip a person of liberty. An immense power. I know because I worked as an attorney in the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office for just under 10 years.

Then a year ago, I quit. I quit because the leadership abandoned all notion of professionalism and made numerous blunders I could not overlook. Transparency was virtually nonexistent. Office morale was at an all-time low. To clarify, the vast majority of the people working at the prosecutor’s office during my tenure were stalwart people and excellent attorneys. Many of those people have moved on to other jobs recently, and some remain. But the leadership in that office is in desperate need of change.

I support Jesse Corkern for prosecutor. I worked side by side with Jesse and can attest that he is honest, he listens to people, he actively seeks the right outcome, and he faces challenges thoughtfully and directly. He is experienced in both criminal and civil law, and has practical ideas to resolve the caseload backlog amassed over the last six years of mismanagement. He will prioritize community relationships, balance caseloads, establish consistent charging standards, improve training and supervision, and provide trusted and effective leadership.

I hope you will join me in voting for Jesse Corkern.”

“Imagine a Whatcom County where a victim doesn’t wait years for their day in court. Where a young person who makes a mistake gets a real second chance instead of a record that follows them for life. Where everyone — regardless of race, ZIP code or ability to pay a lawyer — is treated the same by the system meant to protect them.

That’s why I’m supporting Jesse Corkern for Whatcom County prosecutor.

We believe justice shouldn’t depend on who you know or how long you’ve waited in line. Jesse calls this a “new kind of leadership,” cutting delays that keep victims and defendants in limbo, applying the same charging standards to everyone, and building a culture where people rise because they’ve earned it, not seniority or politics. Collaboration over conflict, and listening before deciding, means faster resolution for victims, fairer treatment for families and an office that finally reflects the community it serves.

That leadership is why such a broad coalition has rallied behind him: the 42nd District Democrats’ sole endorsement, the Riveters Collective, the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Victory Fund PAC and a wide swath of organized labor. Progressives, gun-safety advocates and union tradespeople all agree on Jesse.

Whatcom County has a chance this August to choose a prosecutor who leads with fairness instead of process, and accountability instead of excuses, a “New Kind of Leadership” for a legal system worthy of the community it serves.

Please vote Jesse Corkern for prosecutor before Aug. 4.”

“Jesse will bring the professionalism, reforms and policies to the prosecutor's office necessary to get the office functioning with the necessary efficiency, fairness, and innovations now lacking. His opponent will not. ”

“We are thrilled to learn that Jesse will be the Democratic candidate for county prosecutor. He will be so good for the office and the county. Thank you for being a dedicated public servant.”

“For Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney, I’m supporting Jesse Corkern. When the decisions are serious, you want somebody who keeps both feet on the ground and remembers that every case has real people and real consequences behind it. I look for judgment, integrity, fairness, and a steady temperament in anyone entrusted with serious public responsibilities. Those are qualities I have seen Jesse bring to his work.”

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