Hawaiians will head to the polls on Saturday, with contentious Democratic House and governor primaries on the ballot.
With a largely tourism-based economy still reeling from the pandemic, a state at the forefront of climate issues like sea levels and some of the highest housing costs in the country, the economy remains a top issue at the minds of voters.
With current Governor David Ige term-limited, seven Democrats are vying to become his likely successor. One candidate is current Rep. Kaiali’i Kahele, which opens up the state’s second district for a competive primary.
Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz and first district Rep. Ed Case are both up for reelection, though neither face a competitive primary or general election.
Hawaii leans strongly Democratic, meaning that once primary elections are settled for major seats, those candidates are the likely winners in November against Republican opponents. The last Republican to serve in Congress from Hawaii left office in 2011.
Here’s everything you need to know on the races to watch and the issues at the top of Hawaiians’ minds.
Midterm Elections:News, Candidates, Races, Analysis
Recap:The biggest results from August primaries
Who is running for governor?
Seven Democrats are competing in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, with leading candidates Vicky Cayetano, Joshua Green and Kahele.
Kahele currently represents the state’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes more rural parts of Oahu along with the rest of the…
