Democratic Hawaii Gov. Josh Green Wins Primary, Favored for Re-election

Democratic Hawaii Governor Josh Green has won against three lesser-known primary challengers, reaffirming his leadership of the Aloha State. Gov. Green, first elected in 2022, approached the uncommon Saturday primary with an approval rating of 56%. A victory in this primary positions him strongly for re-election, as the Cook Political Report indicates a 13-point advantage for the Democratic Party in this contest.

His competitors included David “Duke” Bourgoin, who had previously challenged Green in the 2022 gubernatorial election, securing only 590 votes against Green’s 158,161. Bourgoin also experienced defeats in bids for Honolulu mayor in 2022 and 2024. Another challenger was George “Teva” Lucas-Tadeo, a Democratic socialist. Although the Democratic socialist movement gains traction nationwide, Lucas-Tadeo struggled to garner support in Hawaii with public Instagram promises of state-run grocery stores and marijuana legalization.

Neither Lucas-Tadeo nor Lauren Kapoliahiʻiaka Shim maintained campaign websites, and none of Green’s rivals managed to raise funds by June 30, as reported by Honolulu Civil Beat. In stark contrast, Governor Green amassed around $3.5 million in campaign funds, significantly surpassing Republican Gary Cordery, the next top fundraiser, who secured approximately $313,000, according to Civil Beat.

Hawaii has been without a Republican governor since Linda Lingle’s departure in 2010. Typically, Democratic primaries draw candidates with solid name recognition. Past candidates in 2022, besides Green, included Representative Kai Kahele and former first lady Vicky Cayetano.

John Hart, a communication professor at Hawaiʻi Pacific University, commented on Gov. Green’s policies, stating, “His policies have been fairly popular, there hasn’t been anything he’s done that’s really created a pushback.” He questioned why challengers would pursue a “suicide run” when more attainable offices were available.

Governor Green stated to Civil Beat that his administration responded effectively to multiple crises, including the 2023 Lahaina wildfire that resulted in 102 fatalities and the March Kona low storms, inflicting more than $1 billion in damages. Reflecting on these events, Green noted, “We were very present and I think pretty competent and compassionate in our response and we heard from a lot of people — both politicians and just, people — that they appreciated that.”

Green attributed his lack of Democratic challengers to this response, saying, “It just didn’t create a scenario in which another Democrat thought it made sense to run against us.” Furthermore, he emphasized his commitment to his duties rather than engaging in conflicts, which prevented any major divide that would invite competitors.