Hawaii voters are casting ballots Tuesday to determine the state's two U.S. House seats for the next Congress. Both districts are currently held by Democrats seeking reelection, and nonpartisan election forecasters expect the party to maintain its grip on the islands.
In the 1st Congressional District, which covers urban Honolulu, Rep. Ed Case is running for a fifth term. Case, a relative moderate within his party, survived a competitive Democratic primary against progressive state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, winning by roughly 20 percentage points. He now faces Republican Adriel Lam, who was the GOP's nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024.
The 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses the rest of Oahu and the neighbor islands, is represented by Rep. Jill Tokuda. First elected in 2022, Tokuda is seeking a third term after winning reelection two years ago with about two-thirds of the vote. Her Republican opponent is state Sen. Brenton Awa, the minority leader in the Hawaii Senate.
National Context
While Hawaii's House races are not expected to be competitive at the national level, they are part of a broader midterm election landscape that will determine control of the House. Republicans are facing a challenging national environment as they defend their narrow majority.
Democrats are hoping to pick up seats in several states, including California's closely watched House races and Colorado's competitive districts. Meanwhile, Republicans are eyeing opportunities in places like Louisiana's redrawn 6th District.
In Hawaii, the outcomes are unlikely to shift the national balance, but they will determine the composition of the state's delegation. Case, a veteran lawmaker known for his independent streak, has emphasized his seniority and ability to work across the aisle. Tokuda has focused on progressive priorities, including climate action and affordable housing.
Polls close at 12 a.m. Eastern Time. Results are expected to be reported shortly after.
