State Sen. Ericksen to run for Whatcom County executive

State Sen. Doug Ericksen will run for Whatcom County executive this year, setting up a primary election fight over the seat being vacated by Executive Pete Kremen.

Ericksen, a Republican who lives near Ferndale, was first elected to the state House of Representatives in fall 1998; he then won re-election five times. In fall 2010, he was elected to the state Senate.

Ericksen, 42, said he wants to bring his experience and leadership shown during his time in Olympia to the executive position, where he could serve the people of Whatcom County directly.