Timmons Leads Pike in 42nd District Race
Democratic Rep. Joe Timmons holds an early lead over Republican Justin Pike for the 42nd District's Position 2 seat in Washington.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Democratic state Rep. Joe Timmons led Republican Justin Pike in early election-night results for 42nd District Position 2, with Timmons receiving 34,022 votes (56%) to Pike's 26,253 (44%). The Whatcom County Auditor reported 53% turnout, with 90,027 of 170,523 registered voters casting ballots.
Why it matters
Timmons is seeking a third consecutive two-year term, and the early returns will shape the race in Washington's 42nd District, which covers Whatcom County. The count is not final, and the next update was expected Wednesday night.
Early returns show Timmons with 56% of the vote against Pike's 44%, based on preliminary election-night counts. The Whatcom County Auditor reported 90,027 ballots received out of 170,523 registered voters, or 53% turnout, and the final tally remains pending.
The players
Joe Timmons
Joe Timmons is a Democratic state representative who was first elected in 2022 and is seeking a third consecutive term representing Washington's 42nd District.
Justin Pike
Justin Pike is a Republican small business owner and veteran with a background in law enforcement who is a first-time candidate in the 42nd District race.
The details
Timmons was first elected to the Legislature in 2022 and campaigned on affordable housing, health care, public education, and state resources for the county, and he secured $13 million to improve Nooksack River flood protections. Pike, a small business owner, veteran, and first-time candidate with a background in law enforcement, is challenging him in the race.
Timeline
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Election day, with early results reported that night.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: The next vote count update was expected Wednesday night.
Political Context
Timmons was one of a few Democrats who opposed the Millionaires tax in the Legislature, arguing it did not provide adequate tax relief. His campaign platform on affordable housing, health care, and public education is being tested against that policy position as early returns come in.
Voters in Washington's 42nd District will see the final result determine who represents them in the Legislature for the next two years. The outcome affects the state funding and policy priorities Timmons has pursued, including flood protection for the Nooksack River.
The takeaway
Early returns are not final, so readers should follow later county count updates before drawing conclusions about the 42nd District race.
What happens next
The next Whatcom County vote count update was expected Wednesday night, November 4, 2026, which may narrow or widen the early margin.
Further reading
Track the latest Washington Elections coverage for updates on close races like this one in the 42nd District.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Northern Light.
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