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Hawaii Primary Races See Razor-Thin Margins, Triggering Recounts

Hawaii Primary Races See Razor-Thin Margins, Triggering Recounts

In Hawaii, several primary races are experiencing extremely close results, with only a few votes separating candidates. The Republican primary for House District 43 is the tightest, with incumbent Kanani Souza leading Sheila Medeiros by just one vote. In the Senate District 20 Republican primary, Bob McDermott leads incumbent Sen. Kurt Fevella by seven votes. These narrow margins have triggered automatic recounts under Hawaii state law, which mandates a recount when the difference is less than 100 votes or one-half of one percent of the total votes cast. Another close contest is in the Democratic primary for House District 29, where incumbent Ikaika Hussey leads John Mizuno by 33 votes, although this does not meet the threshold for a recount.

Hawaii Primary Election Results Highlight Key Races and Voter Turnout

Hawaii Primary Election Results Highlight Key Races and Voter Turnout

The 2026 Hawaii primary election results have been released, with significant attention on the Maui mayoral race where Richard Bissen leads Yuki Lei Sugimura. Bissen secured 46.1% of the votes, while Sugimura received 33.6%. The election also featured key races for the Kauai mayoral seat and various state legislative positions. Voter turnout was steady, with many residents participating through mail-in ballots and voter service centers. The election results will shape the political landscape in Hawaii, influencing local governance and policy direction.

Hawai‘i County Council Election Results Indicate Potential Runoffs

Hawai‘i County Council Election Results Indicate Potential Runoffs

Preliminary results from the Hawai‘i County Council elections suggest that four of the nine council seats may head to a runoff in November. Incumbents Heather Kimball and Dennis 'Fresh' Onishi have retained their seats, while Jennifer 'Jenn' Kagiwada may face a runoff. The elections saw a mix of incumbents and new candidates vying for open seats, with some races being particularly close. For instance, in District 5, the top three candidates are within 100 votes of each other, potentially leading to a recount. The voter turnout for the primary was 32.7%, with 44,027 of the 134,573 registered voters participating.

Progressives' wave of success meets choppy waters in Hawaii

Progressives' wave of success meets choppy waters in Hawaii

Longtime Rep. Ed Case won his Democratic primary against a well-funded progressive challenger in Hawaii's 1st District.

Les Ihara Jr. Concedes Hawaii Senate Seat to Jackson Sayama After Primary Loss

Les Ihara Jr. Concedes Hawaii Senate Seat to Jackson Sayama After Primary Loss

Longtime Hawaii State Senator Les Ihara Jr. has conceded his seat in Senate District 10 to State Representative Jackson Sayama following a decisive loss in the Democratic primary. Ihara, who has served in elected office for four decades, received 29.2% of the vote compared to Sayama's 61.5%. With no other party contests in the district, Sayama has secured the seat outright. Ihara expressed respect for the voters' decision and congratulated Sayama on his victory. He emphasized his commitment to continue serving the community in other capacities outside of elected office. Sayama, who currently represents House District 21, will transition to the Senate, while Derek Turbin has won the Democratic primary for Sayama's former House seat.

Hawai'i County Council Election: New Candidates Emerge as Key Contenders

Hawai'i County Council Election: New Candidates Emerge as Key Contenders

The primary election for the Hawai'i County Council has set the stage for significant changes, with several new candidates advancing to the general election. Manu Powers, Shannon Matson, Guy Enriques, and Eileen O'Hara are leading in their respective districts, poised to fill the seats of outgoing council members. Incumbents Dennis 'Fresh' Onishi and Heather Kimball secured their positions with decisive victories. The election results indicate a potential shift in the council's dynamics, as three current members are terming out and one is not seeking re-election. The council, which plays a crucial role in local governance, will face challenges such as budget deficits and infrastructure issues in the coming term.

Hawaii Voters Head to Polls for Primary Election with Key Races on the Ballot

Hawaii Voters Head to Polls for Primary Election with Key Races on the Ballot

Hawaii voters are participating in the primary election, with polls closing at 7 p.m. The election features races for lieutenant governor, state legislature, and a U.S. congressional seat. Voter service centers are open for in-person voting, and ballot drop-off locations are available across the Big Island. The primary will determine candidates for the November general election, with several incumbents facing challengers. Voter turnout is steady, with many residents emphasizing the importance of voting to influence local and state policies. The election process includes voter registration and accessible voting options.

Rep. Ed Case Faces Primary Challenge from State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole in Hawaii

Rep. Ed Case Faces Primary Challenge from State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole in Hawaii

Democratic U.S. Representative Ed Case is seeking re-election for a seventh term in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. However, he faces a significant challenge from state Senator Jarrett Keohokalole in the Democratic primary. Recent polls suggest Keohokalole is leading Case with a 47-38 margin. Despite this, Case holds a substantial advantage in campaign funds. Keohokalole has criticized Case for his support of President Trump's Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which mandates proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. Case defended his vote, stating that the version he supported included accommodations for voters unable to present documentation. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Adriel Lam, who is running unopposed.

Hawai'i Primary Election Day: Voter Service Centers Open Until 7 p.m.

Hawai'i Primary Election Day: Voter Service Centers Open Until 7 p.m.

Today marks Primary Election Day in Hawai'i, with voter service centers and ballot drop boxes available across Maui County until 7 p.m. The centers, including those in Wailuku, Lāna'i, Moloka'i, and Lahaina, are open for extended hours to accommodate in-person voting and ballot submissions. The Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku is one of the key locations providing voter registration and ballot services. Voters are reminded that it is now too late to mail ballots, and they should utilize the drop boxes or visit the service centers to ensure their votes are counted. The Maui County Votes website offers an interactive voter guide for those seeking more information about the candidates.

Hawaii primary is latest to pit Democratic incumbent against younger, more left-wing challenger

Hawaii primary is latest to pit Democratic incumbent against younger, more left-wing challenger

By Andy Sullivan Aug 8 (Reuters) - The ideological divide roiling U.S. Democratic politics moves to Hawaii on Saturday, where voters will decide whether to nominate a seasoned lawmaker to another term in Congress or pick a younger, more left-wing candidate. U.S.

Native Hawaiian Students Launch Initiative to Boost Voter Turnout

Native Hawaiian Students Launch Initiative to Boost Voter Turnout

Two Native Hawaiian college students, Kamahaʻo Halemanu and Cajohn Mar, have developed an interactive digital project titled 'Kuleana ʻŌiwi: Democracy is Indigenous' to encourage voter participation among Native Hawaiians. The project, funded by the Center for Native American Youth Democracy is Indigenous Grant, aims to connect the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom's political system with the modern U.S. system. By highlighting historical civic engagement, the students hope to inspire increased voter turnout in upcoming elections. The project includes timelines, maps, and educational resources to engage the community and promote civic responsibility.