Story perspectives

Keohokalole Holds Lead Over Case in Hawaii Primary

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hawaii voters will pick Democratic nominee for the 1st Congressional District on Saturday.
Rep. Ed Case touts seniority on the Appropriations Committee, while Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole pushes health-care and limits on aid to Israel.
Polls show race, with a poll giving Keohokalole a 47-38 lead and a poll putting Case ahead 33-25.
Case’s cash-on-hand advantage positions him for the November race against Adriel Lam, after 179,000 mail ballots were cast.

History

Historical Context

On June 27 1959, 94.3% of Hawaiians approved the Admission Act signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Hawaii entered the Union on August 21, electing Democrat Daniel Inouye and Republican Hiram Fong as its first House members. Labor strikes in 1954 shifted power to the Democratic Party, which still dominates politics. That legacy frames 1st District race between Democrat Ed Case and state Senate leader Jarrett Keohokalole.

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Story summary

Hawaii voters will pick Democratic nominee for the 1st Congressional District on Saturday.
Rep. Ed Case touts seniority on the Appropriations Committee, while Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole pushes health-care and limits on aid to Israel.
Polls show race, with a poll giving Keohokalole a 47-38 lead and a poll putting Case ahead 33-25.
Case’s cash-on-hand advantage positions him for the November race against Adriel Lam, after 179,000 mail ballots were cast.

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