HONOLULU – Exciting news from Hawaii – U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and the state’s incumbent congressional representatives emerged victorious in the Democratic Party’s primary election held on Saturday.
Hawaii, being a vote-by-mail state, saw ballots being mailed to registered voters, who were required to return them via mail or drop-off boxes spread across the islands. Additionally, voters had the opportunity to cast their votes in person at select voter service centers in each county.
To ensure the ballots were counted, they needed to be received by county elections offices by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Let’s delve into the key races that unfolded in Hawaii:
U.S. Senate
Senator Hirono, seeking her third term, clinched victory in a contested race against Ron Curtis and Clyde McClain Lewman. Hirono first took office in 2012 to fill the seat left by Daniel Akaka, the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the U.S. Senate post-statehood.
On the Republican front, the nomination for Senate was secured by former state Rep. Bob McDermott after besting a field of lesser-known candidates. McDermott, recalling his previous Senate run in 2022 where he faced defeat against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, is ready to contest once more with his sights set on the seat.
U.S. House
In Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Case emerged triumphant in the Democratic Party primary against Cecil Hale. Case, elected in 2018, revisited victory after previously representing Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District from 2002 to 2007.
Looking at the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda and Steve Bond clinched victories in the Democratic and Republican primaries, respectively, setting the stage for an exciting contest in the upcoming elections.
State House
The battle for the state house in Hawaii’s downtown Honolulu and Kakaako district intensifies as House Speaker Scott Saiki faces off against Kim Coco Iwamoto. With a history of close margins in previous elections, the competition remains fierce with both candidates fiercely advocating their platforms.
Stay tuned as the electoral landscape in Hawaii continues to evolve, shaping the future of the island state.
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