FERNDALE, Wash. — Yesterday, Satpal Sidhu’s campaign manager sent out an email declaring Sidhu the winner of the race against Tony Larson to be the next Whatcom County Executive. The email noted Sidhu’s lead of 1850 votes exceeded the 616 uncounted votes according to the Election Division estimate after Friday’s updated ballot count.
The Election Division says, “The ‘Estimated Ballots Left to Count’ only includes ballots currently in our office. It does not estimate ballots that have not yet been received. Ballot signature cures and overseas ballots are not included and can be received up until the day before certification.”
In addition, Greg Hansen took to his Facebook page announcing the election was over and he was “humbled and honored to be your next Mayor.” Opponent Jon Mutchler also used Facebook to announce he had conceded the contest to Hansen and to offer his support during the transition.
Other races with apparent winners based on the vote spread (counts as of Friday, November 8th) are:
Whatcom County Council – District 4
- Kathy Kershner – 11,938 (75.51%)
- Brian Estes – 3,872 (24.49%)
Whatcom County Council – District 5
- Ben Elenbaas – 9,347 (58.62%)
- Natalie McClendon – 6,599 (41.38%)
Whatcom County Council – At-Large Pos. B
- David Ramirez – 29,342 (39.04%)
- Carol Frazey – 45,822 (60.96%)
Whatcom County Sheriff
- Joy Gilfilen – 23,763 (30.87%)
- Bill Elfo – 53,217 (69.13%)
Ferndale Mayor
- Jon Mutchler – 2,097 (46.97%)
- Greg Hansen – 2,368 (53.03%)
Ferndale City Council – Position 1
- Michael Cox – 1,270 (31.02%) (withdrew)
- Herb Porter – 2,824 (68.98%)
Ferndale City Council – Position 3
- Erin Gunter – 2,795 (67.38%)
- Anya Milton – 1,353 (32.62%) (withdrew)
Ferndale City Council – Position 5
- Gurpreet (Garry) Sandhu – 1,102 (26.45%)
- Ryan O’Larey – 3,065 (73.55%)
Ferndale City Council – Position 7
- Ramon Llanos – 2,431 (58.28%)
- Maralise Fegan – 1,740 (41.72%)
WCFD7 Commissioner Position 3 (6-year term)
- Scott Brown – 1,858 (26.00%)
- Mike Murphy – 5,287 (74.00%)
Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 3 (4-year term)
- Anthony Distefano – 24,434 (34.87%)
- Robert (Bobby) Briscoe – 45,635 (65.13%)
Much closer races with a not so apparent winner are:
Whatcom County Assessor (4-year term)
- Rebecca Xczar – 36,581 (50.95%)
- John Romaker – 35,217 (49.05%)
Ferndale City Council – Position 2 (4-year term)
- Paul Bulanov – 2,097 (49.69%)
- Ali Hawkinson – 2,123 (50.31%)
Ferndale City Council – Position 4 (4-year term)
- Paul Shuey – 1,879 (50.47%)
- Teresa N. Taylor – 1,844 (49.53%)
Election results will not be certified as final until Tuesday, November 26th.
I’M ‘IDLING ON IGNORANT HERE’…WHO IS OUR COUNTY EXECUTIVE BASED ON THIS?
Satpal sidhu