Governor Ferguson Ordered Flags to Half-Staff
The directive honors the life and public service of former Washington state legislator Mike Cooper.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Civic
Governor Bob Ferguson has ordered state and U.S. flags at all state agency facilities to fly at half-staff in honor of former legislator Mike Cooper. Cooper, who passed away on August 20, served in the Washington State Legislature and on the Snohomish County Council.
Why it matters
The order serves as a formal state recognition of Cooper’s extensive career in public office, which spanned multiple local and state government roles. It highlights the lasting influence of legislators who transition between county, municipal, and state-level leadership positions.
Mike Cooper represented the 21st District during his tenure in the Washington State Legislature. A celebration of life is set to take place at 2 p.m.
The players
Bob Ferguson
Bob Ferguson is the Governor of Washington who issued the directive to lower flags at state facilities.
Mike Cooper
Mike Cooper was a former Washington State Legislature member and Snohomish County Council official who also served as the mayor of Edmonds.
Dave Earling
Dave Earling is a former politician who defeated Mike Cooper in the 2011 mayoral election in Edmonds.
The details
In addition to his legislative service, Cooper was appointed as the mayor of Edmonds by the City Council in the summer of 2010. He later faced a general election challenge in November 2011, where he was defeated by candidate Dave Earling.
Timeline
Summer 2010: Mike Cooper was appointed mayor of Edmonds.
November 2011: Mike Cooper lost the mayoral election to Dave Earling.
August 20, 2026: Mike Cooper passed away.
September 26, 2026: A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m.
Roadmap
The flag-lowering directive follows established protocol for honoring the legacy of former Washington state legislators. This action aligns with the standard state procedure for acknowledging the passing of public officials who served in key representative roles.
Residents across Washington may notice flags at state-operated buildings flying at half-staff until the conclusion of the designated mourning period. This visibility serves as a public reminder of the official tribute to Cooper’s tenure in the state legislature and local government.
The takeaway
The directive serves as a formal acknowledgment of the significant local and state-level contributions made by public servants throughout their careers. It provides a moment for communities like Edmonds and the 21st District to reflect on their representation in state government.
What happens next
A celebration of life for the former legislator is scheduled for September 26, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Further reading
Find more details on local government updates in the Washington (state) section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Edmonds News.
