Sen. Kim Announces Candidacy for 1st Congressional District

Sen. Donna Mercado Kim. PC: Hawai‘i State Legislature.

State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim has announced that she is running for Hawai‘i’s 1st Congressional District, a seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

“These are challenging times for our nation and state,” said Sen. Kim. “The people of our district need a Congresswoman who will stand up to powerful entrenched interests and always protect Hawai‘i. Throughout my life, I have advocated for my constituents and continue to make a positive impact for our families, our keiki and our kūpuna. If given the privilege to serve in Washington, I shall collaboratively work across the aisle to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits, improve our public schools, keep college education affordable and continue to advocate for women’s rights,”

Sen. Kim was born and raised in Kalihi and is a proud Farrington High School graduate. One of five children, Kim grew up with a strong work ethic. Her mother worked as a waitress and her father as a carpenter. She realized early on that for her, a quality education was the path into the middle class. She has spent her career delivering for our state, from the Honolulu City Council to the State Capitol, and now she is eager to serve at the national level to secure more federal funding for public schools, affordable housing and transportation.

Sen. Kim said she deeply understands the economic issues that working families in the district face. She said she will leverage her experience and work with the public and private sector to find innovative ways to bolster Hawai‘i’s economy, and foster small business growth.

“I care deeply for my island home,” Sen. Kim said. “I am committed to fight to put Hawai‘i first and defend our local values. No one will work harder and be more fiscally responsible than me.”

To learn more about her’s campaign, go online.