Hawaii voters are casting ballots Saturday in a Democratic primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District, where state Senator Jarrett Keohokalole holds a lead over incumbent Representative Ed Case in recent polling.
Keohokalole, 42, leads Case, 73, by 9 percentage points in a July 24 Blueprint Polling survey of 278 likely voters, with 47% support compared to Case’s 38%. A separate Blueprint Polling survey conducted July 7-8 showed Case ahead by 8 points, 33% to 25%. Prediction markets also reflect a tightening race, with Case holding a 56% chance of winning the nomination compared to Keohokalole’s 48% as of early Saturday afternoon.
The race has become a focal point for the Democratic Party’s internal debate over experience versus generational change, with Keohokalole positioning himself as a champion of progressive priorities. Case, who has represented the district since 2019 and previously served in the U.S. House from 2002 to 2007, has emphasized his seniority and legislative record, arguing that his experience provides greater influence in Congress.
Primary contests across Hawaii
Voters are also deciding races for governor and the state’s 2nd Congressional District, where Democratic Governor Josh Green faces three primary challengers with no reported fundraising. Green has raised approximately $3.5 million, far outpacing his competitors. On the Republican side, Gary Cordery and Ken Fujiyama are vying for the nomination, with Cordery campaigning on lowering Hawaii’s cost of living and expanding housing.
In the 2nd District, Representative Jill Tokuda is expected to advance after facing three little-known challengers, including one arrested in May for pulling a gun on county workers. Republicans are also contesting the governor’s race, where no Republican has held office since 2010.
Key policy differences in the 1st District race
Keohokalole has criticized Case’s vote for the SAVE America Act, framing the election as a referendum on progressive values. Case has countered that his seniority in Congress allows him to deliver results, citing his role in addressing three crises during his tenure. The 1st District, which includes Honolulu and parts of Oʻahu, is a safely Democratic seat, with winners of Saturday’s primaries favored to win in November.
Republican candidates unopposed in GOP primaries
In the 2nd District, Republican state Senator Brenton Awa is running unopposed for the GOP nomination, while Adriel Lam is the sole Republican candidate in the 1st District race.