Unpacking the Significance of the 2026 Hawaiʻi Primary Election: A Comprehensive Analysis

The 2026 Hawaiʻi primary election has come to a close, with initial results showing a mix of expected and unexpected outcomes. The state Office of Elections published its second printout of results at 8:50 p.m. on August 8, 2026, providing a partial picture of the overall votes cast. While this first release typically includes a significant percentage of the total votes – often above 90% in previous elections – the exact percentage won't be available until later.

The state Office of Elections has stated that it will release two more printouts on Saturday and Sunday, with a final, fourth report expected next week. This final report will take into account any issues with signature verification on ballot envelopes that may have arisen during a five-day window. Successful candidates will advance to the general election on November 5, 2026.

As of 9:15 p.m. on August 8, the Associated Press (AP) has called several key races. In the Democratic primary for Congressional District 1, U.S. Rep. Ed Case secured a decisive victory, receiving 57% of the votes. Challenger Jarrett Keohokalole, a state senator, trailed behind with 34% of the votes. Case will face Republican Adriel Lam, Jordan S. Conley of the Green Party, and nonpartisan candidate Nathan M. Berning in the general election.

The AP has also declared Rep. Jill Tokuda the Democratic nominee for Congressional District 2, with an overwhelming 84% of votes cast. Tokuda has been a fixture in Congress since 2023 and is expected to cruise to victory in the general election. She will face Republican Brenton Awa and nonpartisan candidate Edward Codelia.

In the gubernatorial race, the AP has called the winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries. As expected, Gov. Josh Green is poised for reelection, taking 83% of cast votes out of four Democrats in the race. Republican Gary Cordery received a respectable 66% of the vote.

The AP has also called the Democratic and Republican races for lieutenant governor. Derek Kawakami emerged as the Democratic nominee, while Daniel Anthony secured the Republican nomination. This year's primary election saw an unusual scenario with Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke dropping out of the race due to a bribery investigation.

In the state Senate, Democrat Tricia Kwai Lin Nakamatsu has taken the lead to fill the spot left by incumbent Karl Rhoads, who announced his plans to retire. Nakamatsu received over 49% of votes cast and will face Republican Wallyn Christian in November. In District 29, Democrat John Mizuno won a tight primary, narrowly edging out incumbent Ikaika Hussey with 1,234 votes, about 74 more than his opponent.

On Oʻahu, the nonpartisan race for Mayor of Honolulu saw Trevor Ozawa receive 40% of the vote, while Maui Mayor Richard Bissen secured a significant 46% lead in his reelection campaign. County Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura is second, receiving 35% of the votes on Maui. Kauaʻi mayoral candidates are limited to two consecutive four-year terms, which meant outgoing Lt. Gov. Derek Kawakami could not run for reelection. County Council Chair Mel Rapozo has taken the lead, while Council Member and former Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. followed closely with 41% and 32% of the vote, respectively.

These results set the stage for the general election on November 5, 2026. Incumbents, challengers, and third-party candidates will vie for seats in the state legislature, Congress, and local offices. The primary election outcomes offer insights into voter preferences and the dynamics driving the 2026 electoral landscape. As the campaign season unfolds, voters should anticipate robust discussions and debates on key issues. It remains to be seen whether the winning candidates will effectively address the challenges facing Hawaiʻi.