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September 11, 2026
 

Skagit County Commissioners Appoint Alex Lathum as County Coroner

On Friday, September 11, 2026, the Skagit County Commissioners approved the appointment of Alex Lathum to the vacant county coroner position. The previous county coroner, Hayley Thompson, announced her resignation early this year. Coroner Thompson’s elected term ends on December 31, 2026. With the decision to resign before the end of her elected term, a nomination process was conducted by the Skagit County Democrats to replace Coroner Thompson.

 The replacement of a vacant county elected position is outlined in RCW 36.16.110, and Washington Constitution Article II, Section 15, which states the County Commissioners are required to select a candidate from a list of nominees to fill the vacancy provided by the political party of the person who previously held the office.

Three candidates were nominated by the Skagit County Democrats for consideration by the Board of Skagit County Commissioners. The Commissioners interviewed the three candidates during a televised public meeting on Friday, September 11, 2026, and then voted to appoint Alex Lathum for the position. Mr. Lathum will serve until the November general election results are certified. The county coroner position will be on the ballot this upcoming November and the newly elected coroner will take office after the election results are certified.  

Alex Lathum has an extensive background in public health and was most recently the lead microbiologist, data consultant, and management analyst for the Washington Public Health Laboratory. Mr. Lathum has been spending time volunteering in the Skagit County Coroner’s Office to better learn the roles and responsibilities of the office. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and astronomy, with a minor in microbiology, from the University of Washington, a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois, and a Master of Science degree in mathematics from Emporia State University. In his spare time, Mr. Lathum volunteers as a musician for local high school musicals.  

Questions about the nomination and appointment process can be sent to the Commissioners’ office at commissioners@skagitcountywa.gov or (360) 416-1300.