Ryan Swinburnson
(States No Party Preference)
Elected Experience
Blaine School Board 2024-Present (President 2026)
Other Professional Experience
Attorney with more than 26 years of experience handling serious criminal and civil cases as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. Former civil counsel for two counties, advising elected officials and county departments on legal and public policy matters.
Education
Graduate of Blaine High School, Central Washington University and Willamette University College of Law.
Community Service
Raised in Whatcom County with family roots in the community dating back more than 150 years. Coached youth soccer, baseball and basketball in the community.
Statement
Whatcom County deserves a Prosecutor focused on public safety, accountability, and restoring trust in the justice system.
Ryan Swinburnson began his legal career as a prosecutor and has spent more than 26 years handling serious criminal cases as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. That experience has given him a broad understanding of the criminal justice system and the leadership needed to improve public safety in Whatcom County.
Ryan has also served as civil counsel for two counties, advising elected officials and county departments on legal and public policy matters. He currently serves as President of the Blaine School Board, helping guide the district through difficult financial and community challenges with transparency and accountability.
Ryan is running for Whatcom County Prosecutor to restore experienced leadership to the Prosecutor’s Office, strengthen coordination with law enforcement, support victims of crime, and improve the efficiency of the justice system. He believes violent offenders must be held more accountable while recognizing that lasting public safety also requires meaningful treatment options for those struggling with addiction and mental illness. Ryan believes the people of Whatcom County deserve safer communities, timely justice, and a Prosecutor who leads with integrity, accountability, and service to the community.
Contact
(360) 201-4273; ryan@swinburnsonforprosecutor.com; www.swinburnsonforprosecutor.com
Source: Local voters' pamphlet, page 10
Jesse Corkern
(Prefers Democratic Party)
Elected Experience
First time candidate – ready to lead
Other Professional Experience
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Whatcom County - currently the County’s civil litigator, representing County departments and employees; previously in the Criminal division litigating major crimes; nearly a decade managing successful private practice handling both criminal and civil litigation; previously a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Snohomish County; consistently recognized in all roles for balanced advocacy, integrity, innovative solutions to persistent problems, strong leadership, and professionalism
Education
J.D., Willamette University College of Law, 2006; B.A., Portland State University, 2000
Community Service
Youth Soccer Coach and volunteer at Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during COVID pandemic
Statement
Jesse Corkern will bring a New Kind of Leadership to the Office of Prosecuting Attorney. Strong and earned leadership -- built on merit, respect, and accountability. Fellow Prosecutors and elected officials encouraged Jesse to run for this position. They have experienced firsthand Jesse’s honesty, integrity, and respectful approach to leadership.
With 20 years as a litigator, Jesse is the only candidate with experience in both the Criminal and Civil divisions of our Prosecutor’s Office.
Jesse will implement consistent charging standards and attorney specialization to improve efficiency and reduce the time it takes to bring cases to trial. He will improve training and hold attorneys to high standards. His leadership will end the constant flow of attorney resignations. Jesse will establish zero-tolerance policies for gun violence. He will work with community partners to address addiction and mental health challenges that lead to repetitive contacts with law enforcement and will help make Community Court a reality.
Endorsements include: Rep. Alex Ramel (40th LD); Councilmembers Jon Scanlon and Kaylee Galloway; former Councilmember Todd Donovan; former Port Commissioner Ken Bell; NW Washington Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO); Ironworkers Local 86; North Coast States Regional Council of Carpenters; LiUNA! 292; Machinists Union (IAM 751)
Contact
(425) 466-0619; electcorkernprosecutor@gmail.com; www.electcorkernprosecutor.com
Source: Local voters' pamphlet, page 10
