Multiple news sources report that more than 300 candidates have filed for Hawaii’s 2026 elections, with competitive races for Congress, lieutenant governor, and Maui mayor. However, about 23 candidates including top legislative leaders are running unopposed, raising accountability concerns.
- More than 300 people filed to run for public office in Hawaii’s 2026 elections
- Competitive races include U.S. Congress 1st District, lieutenant governor, and mayor races in Kauai and Maui counties
- Maui Mayor Richard Bissen faces County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura and several others
- About 23 candidates are running unopposed in the primary election, including Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura (Hawaii News Now)
- Political analysts express concern about lack of accountability when influential incumbents face no challengers (Hawaii News Now)
- Only two of the unopposed candidates are Republicans: state Reps. Lauren Matsumoto Cheape and David Alcos III (Hawaii News Now)
Sources
- Civil Beat: Hot Races For Congress, Lieutenant Governor Top Hawaiʻi Primary
- Hawaii News Now: Unopposed races scattered across Hawaii’s primary election ballot
Share this article
