Incumbent Democrats record wins across Big Island in state elections

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comments from candidates following the release of election results.

Incumbent candidates on Hawai‘i Island, all of whom are Democrats, defeated all challengers in state-level races this election. Similar stories played out across the state as Election Day results were released in the predawn hours of Nov. 6.

But some Republicans on O‘ahu bucked the trend, winning six out of 22 state House races held across their island. Samantha DeCorte and Brenton Awa, Republicans on O‘ahu, also won their races for state Senate seats representing districts 22 and 23.

State representative and majority whip Christopher L.T. Todd, of District 3 on Hawai‘i Island, on Wednesday expressed gratitude for another opportunity to serve.

Todd has held his seat since 2017, when then-Gov. David Ige selected him to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Rep. Clift Tsuji.

“We definitely have our work cut out for ourselves,” Todd said. “We have a very large laundry list of issues here in Hawai‘i.”

On the district level, Todd said he hopes to make progress resolving Puna and Hilo traffic problems, and addressing infrastructure shortfalls in the health care sector. Todd will also focus on making Hawai‘i more affordable for local families.

Greggor Ilagan retained his House seat representing District 4. He thanked his supporters, including family and friends, before listing his own priorities heading into his next term.

Ilagan said he will continue work on an alternate route in Puna.

“As well as dredging Pohoiki Bay,” Ilagan continued. “So that we can have the boat ramp back in Pohoiki.”

State Senate

State Senate races Tuesday saw incumbent Dru Mamo Kanuha, a Democrat representing District 3, trounce Republican challenger Kurt E. Sullivan at the ballot box on Hawai‘i Island.

Kanuha received 11,106 votes (63.5%) while Sullivan received 5,252 votes (30%).

Incumbent Democrats DeAngus L.K. McKelvey and Lynn P. DeCoite on Maui defeated Republicans Sheila A. Walker and Gabby Macaraeg in races for districts 6 and 7.

O‘ahu saw incumbent Democrats ​​Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Brandon J.C. Elefante and Michelle N. Kidani retain their seats in districts 12, 16 and 18. But in districts 22 and 23, Democrats Cedric Asuega Gates and Ben Shafer were defeated by Republicans DeCorte and Awa.

No state senate races took place on Kaua‘i. The current term of State Senate President Ronald Kouchi, who represents the islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, ends in 2026. Kouchi recently announced he will support current Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami, who plans to campaign for Kouchi’s seat at that time.

State House of Representatives

State House of Representatives races on Hawai‘i Island resulted in victories for incumbent Democrats. Todd (4,719 votes, 61.5%) defeated Libertarian Austin D. Martin (220 votes, 2.9%) and Republican Kanoa Wilson (2,224 votes, 29%) in District 3. Ilagan (5,485 votes, 67.1%) defeated Republican Keikilani Ho (2,267 votes, 27.8%) in District 4.

Fellow Democratic incumbents Jeanne Kapela, Kirsten Kahaloa, Nicole Lowen and David A. Tarnas, representing districts 3 through 8, also won their bids for re-election on Hawai‘i Island.

“It has been an honor representing the people of Kona for the last two years, bringing the priorities and values of our community to the statehouse,” Kahaloa said, adding there is much more to be done.

“I’m humbled to have earned the trust and votes of my neighbors, and I will waste no time getting back to work,” she continued.

On Kaua‘i, longtime state representative and House majority leader Nadine K. Nakamura bested Republican opponent David Moranz for control of District 15 on the island’s North Shore. She received 5,150 votes (64.9%) to Moranz’s 2,119 votes (26.7%).

House majority floor leader Dee Morikawa of District 17, which includes Ni‘ihau and the West Side of Kaua‘i, defeated Republican Michael Jauch with 5,139 votes (65.1%). Jauch received 1,999 votes (25.3%).

“The three of us did very well,” Morikawa said. “I think Kaua‘i has got a very strong legislative team in place right now.”

Nakamura and Morikawa’s fellow Democrat Luke Evslin, who left the Kaua‘i County Council in 2023 to fill a vacant House seat, also won Tuesday night, with 5,229 votes (64.6%). Evslin, whose District 16 represents the southeast portion of Kaua‘i, defeated Republican Steve Yoder, who received 2,213 votes (27.3%).

“I deeply appreciate the vote of confidence from Kaua‘i,” Evslin said Wednesday. “I’m certainly committed to try and do everything to reduce the cost of housing, which has always been my main priority.”

Among the large field of state House of Representatives candidates on O‘ahu, Democrats fared better than Republicans, who won six out of 22 races in districts across the island.

Incumbent state representatives on Maui Terez Amato, Kyle T. Yamashita, Mahina Poepoe and Elle Cochran—all Democrats—retained their seats in districts 11 through 14, despite challenges from Republican and Green Party candidates.