Full Breakdown
Lot Drawings Resolve Historic Ties in Hawaii’s 2026 Republican Primaries
8/15/2026, 9:43:21 PM
Tie Results Prompt Unprecedented Lot Drawings
Two Republican primary contests on Leeward O‘ahu concluded with exact vote ties after a post-election signature-verification process. In Senate District 20, former state representative Bob McDermott and incumbent Sen. Kurt Fevella each finished with 1,212 votes. In House District 43, incumbent Rep. Kanani Souza and challenger Sheila Medeiros each received 842 votes. The Office of Elections confirmed the totals after a 13-hour automatic recount showed no change before the signature-fix deadline.
Legal Framework Governing the Tiebreaker
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 11-157, a dead-heat in a primary election is resolved by a random drawing conducted by the Office of Elections. The agency announced that the drawings will be held on the Saturday following the deadline for fixing signature issues, with the proceedings livestreamed for public transparency.
Data & Statistics
- Senate District 20 tie: 1,212 votes each for McDermott and Fevella.
- House District 43 tie: 842 votes each for Souza and Medeiros.
- Initial counts before signature corrections showed a seven-vote lead for McDermott and a one-vote lead for Souza, both eliminated after the deadline-day ballot cures.
Official Responses
The Office of Elections stated that the lot drawings are required by state law and will be conducted at the Hawaii State Capitol. Officials emphasized the livestream to ensure accessibility and confidence in the process.
Implications for the General Election
The winner of the Senate District 20 drawing will advance to face Democratic nominee Markus Owens in the November general election. Because no Democratic primary was held for House District 43, the winner of that drawing will secure the legislative seat outright. The outcomes will determine the Republican representation for the Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, Kapolei, and Makakilo communities in the upcoming legislative term.
