2026 Hawaii gubernatorial election
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2026 Hawaii gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Hawaii. The primary elections will take place on August 8, 2026.[1] Incumbent Democratic governor Josh Green is eligible to seek re-election to a second term in office.
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November 3, 2026
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Republicans have not won a gubernatorial election in Hawaii since Linda Lingle was re-elected in 2006.
Democratic primary
Governor
Candidates
Declared
- Josh Green, incumbent governor (2022–present)[2][3]
Declined
- Mike Gabbard, state senator (2006–present) and father of former U.S. representative and director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard[4]
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
Declared
- John Choi, civil trial attorney[5]
- Derek Kawakami, mayor of Kauai (2018–present)[6]
Withdrew
- Sylvia Luke, incumbent lieutenant governor (2022–present)[7]
Declined
- Kai Kahele, chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees (2024–present), former U.S. representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district (2021–2023), and candidate for governor in 2022[8]
Endorsements
Derek Kawakami
- Organizations
- For A Better Tomorrow PAC (Pacific Resource Partnership)[9]
- Hawaii Carpenters Union[10]
Sylvia Luke (withdrew)
- Labor unions
Republican primary
Governor
Declined
- Mike Gabbard, state senator (2006–present) and father of former U.S. Representative and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (Democratic)[4]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[12] | Solid D | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[13] | Solid D | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[14] | Safe D | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[15] | Safe D | September 16, 2025 |