Hawaii’s August 8 primary election is shaping up as one of the more competitive in recent memory, with contested races up and down the ballot — from state Senate seats held by veteran incumbents to open legislative districts drawing five-way fights for a single nomination.
Why It Matters
Hawaii’s political landscape has long been defined by Democratic dominance and incumbent longevity, making primary challenges relatively rare. This cycle’s unusually competitive primary fields suggest a renewed willingness among residents to seek office — even in races where toppling an entrenched incumbent requires running against a fellow party member. For voters concerned about the accountability of local government, the primary offers more meaningful choices than many recent elections.
What Happened
While Governor Josh Green faces only nominal opposition in his Democratic primary bid for reelection — and has scheduled a family vacation from June 8 through June 23 with little apparent urgency to campaign — dozens of other races across the state have drawn genuine competition. Roughly two dozen incumbents across the ballot do face no primary challenger, but that figure is offset by a notable number of sitting lawmakers being tested by opponents from within their own parties.
Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura are among those navigating a more energized primary environment, though both remain significant institutional figures heading into the August contest.
Among the more closely watched intraparty Democratic challenges: Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz is being contested by Nani Brown in the Wahiawā-area District 17, while Sen. Donna Mercado Kim faces Christy Kikue MacPherson in District 14 covering the Moanalua Valley. In the Kaimukī-Kapahulu area, state Rep. Jackson Sayama is attempting to move to the upper chamber by challenging Sen. Les Ihara in District 10.
On the Republican side, former state Rep. Bob McDermott and former Rep. Rida Cabanilla Arakawa are both competing in the District 20 GOP primary against incumbent Sen. Kurt Fevella in the ʻEwa Beach area. In the Makakilo-Kapolei district, Republican Rep. Kanani Souza is being challenged by fellow Republican Sheila Mederios.
By the Numbers
- August 8 — the date of Hawaii’s primary election
- About two dozen incumbents face no primary opposition this cycle
- Five candidates are competing in the open District 21 seat covering St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, and Kaimukī
- Four Democrats — Tony Nagatani, Ernest Carvalho, Nadia Alves, and Reno Abihai — are challenging Republican Rep. Cov Ratcliffe, who was appointed earlier this year to replace Daniel Holt in District 28
- Republicans are fielding more legislative candidates than they did two years ago, building on their recent high-water mark for seats won since the Linda Lingle era
Zoom Out
The broader picture reflects competing currents in Hawaii politics. The Green Party and Libertarian Party have each fielded only a handful of primary candidates, and neither has ever succeeded in electing a member to the state Legislature, the governorship, or a congressional seat. Nonpartisan candidates, however, are appearing in greater numbers than in past cycles — an incremental but notable shift in a state where the Democratic primary has historically functioned as the de facto general election in most districts.
Neighbor island counties have drawn some of the greatest interest at the local level, suggesting the competitive energy extends well beyond Honolulu. An unresolved 2022 legislative bribery scandal continues to cast a shadow over the institution, and some observers believe it may be motivating challenger candidacies. Voter turnout, however, remains a persistent concern in Hawaii primaries, with historically low participation rates that can amplify the influence of small, organized voter blocs. Questions about voter data practices have also drawn scrutiny in the state in recent years.
What’s Next
Rep. Della Au Belatti’s bid for lieutenant governor stands out as one of the top statewide contests to watch. The Democratic primary for that office will be among the most consequential races in the August 8 election. Competitive open-seat contests like District 21 — where five candidates are vying for the nomination — and multi-candidate races in Districts 26 and 28 will also test whether the state’s Democratic establishment can maintain its traditional grip on legislative seats heading into the November general election.