Hawaii Primary 2026: Green and Cordery Claim Victories as Corruption Scandal Looms
Voters Head to Polls Amid Pivotal Primary
HONOLULU — Hawaii voters turned out for the state's primary election on August 8, 2026, to set the stage for the November general election. The most closely watched races included the gubernatorial contests, where incumbent Democrat Josh Green secured his party's nomination for a second term, and Gary Cordery emerged as the Republican challenger. With 85.7% of expected Democratic votes counted, Green commanded 89.6% of the vote, far ahead of challengers Lauren Shim (5.1%) and George Lucas-Tadeo (3.3%). On the Republican side, Cordery led Ken Fujiyama with 74% of the vote as 86% of expected ballots were tallied.
A Clean Sweep for the Incumbent
Green’s decisive victory came as no surprise to political observers. The governor, who previously served as lieutenant governor, has maintained strong approval ratings across the islands. His campaign centered on economic recovery, affordable housing, and climate resilience. In his victory speech, Green thanked voters and pivoted to the general election, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation. His Republican opponent, Gary Cordery, a political newcomer, ran on a platform of government transparency and fiscal conservatism. Cordery’s win was equally commanding, with strong showings in all four major counties, including 74.6% in Honolulu and 77.4% in Kauai.
The primaries were held under Hawaii’s mail-in voting system, with ballots required to be received by 7:00 PM HST on August 8. Voter service centers were also open for in-person participation. Final results are expected to be certified in the coming days.
Context: A State in Turmoil Over Corruption Charges
The 2026 primary unfolded against a backdrop of political scandal. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, a Democrat, faces federal bribery charges stemming from her 2022 campaign for the state House. She pleaded not guilty in July and has been on unpaid leave since April. State official Keith Regan was named acting lieutenant governor but is not seeking a full term. The controversy has cast a shadow over state politics, with nine candidates vying to replace Luke.
The Democratic field for lieutenant governor included Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami, state Representative Della Au Belatti, and former Deputy Attorney General John Choi. Kawakami led in fundraising, bolstered by a $2 million super PAC backed by the carpenters union. Meanwhile, Republican Daniel Anthony was the top GOP spender, though his $6,900 was a fraction of Democratic spending. The race is seen as a critical steppingstone to higher office, as every recent governor and both U.S. senators from Hawaii previously served as lieutenant governor.
A Separate Election: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor Run Independently
Unlike many states, Hawaii elects its governor and lieutenant governor separately. Voters in the Democratic primary chose Green for governor, but the lieutenant governor nomination remains competitive. This separation allowed voters to split their tickets between Green and other Democrats. Political analyst Dr. Keoni Agon, a professor at the University of Hawaii, noted, "The corruption scandal has created a volatile dynamic. Voters may embrace Green's stability while punishing others associated with the Luke administration."
Perspective: National Implications and Shifting Alliances
Hawaii's primary results send signals beyond the islands. Green’s victory solidifies Democratic control of the governor's mansion, a key asset during a period of national partisan gridlock. The state's diverse electorate and its status as a Pacific gateway make its politics particularly consequential for issues like immigration, trade, and climate policy.
At the congressional level, the 1st District primary saw Democratic Rep. Ed Case fend off a challenge from state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole. Case, who bucked his party by supporting the SAVE Act—a Republican-led voter ID bill—survived despite criticism from progressives. The race highlighted intra-party divisions over election integrity and cooperation with the Trump administration. Keohokalole argued Case's vote alienated Democratic base voters, while Case claimed the legislation was necessary to secure elections. This tension mirrors broader national debates within the Democratic Party.
Looking Ahead: The General Election and Beyond
The general election is set for November 3, 2026. Green will face Cordery, a contest many see as lopsided given Hawaii's Democratic lean. However, Cordery's grassroots appeal and the lingering corruption odor could make for a more competitive race than expected. The lieutenant governor's race will also be a battleground, with Kawakami and Belatti likely to emerge from the primary. Regardless of the outcome, Hawaii's political landscape is shifting. The corruption scandal has eroded public trust, which could influence turnout and voter behavior. As Dr. Agon put it, "This primary was a test of resilience. The general election will reveal whether Hawaii's voters are ready for change or prefer stability."
Comments