Democratic Hawaii Governor Josh Green successfully defeated three lesser-known primary challengers as he seeks to continue leading the state. Green, who first assumed the role of governor in 2022, entered the primary with a 56% approval rating. His victory in this unusual Saturday primary positions him strongly for re-election, with the Cook Political Report showing a 13-point advantage for the Democratic Party.
Green’s challengers included David “Duke” Bourgoin, who previously ran against him in 2022 but secured only 590 votes against Green’s 158,161. Bourgoin also faced defeats in two mayoral bids for Honolulu in 2022 and 2024. Other challengers were George “Teva” Lucas-Tadeo, a Democratic socialist, and Lauren KapoliahiĘ»iaka Shim.
Hawaii has not had a Republican governor since Linda Lingle left office in 2010. The state’s Democratic primary often features candidates with notable name recognition, such as Rep. Kai Kahele and former first lady Vicky Cayetano, who ran in 2022.
Green significantly outpaced his opponents in fundraising, accumulating approximately $3.5 million by June 30. This far exceeded Republican Gary Cordery, who raised about $313,000. Neither Lucas-Tadeo nor Shim had campaign websites, and none of Green’s opponents raised any funds in their campaigns.
Hawaii’s political scene hasn’t seen a Republican in the governor’s seat since 2010. In typical elections, prominent figures usually emerge in the Democratic primary. John Hart, a communications professor from HawaiĘ»i Pacific University, mentioned, “Green’s policies have been popular without causing backlash, discouraging potential challengers.”
Governor Green reflected positively on his administration’s response to various crises, including the 2023 Lahaina wildfire and the March Kona low storms, which inflicted over $1 billion in damage. He told Civil Beat that his team was proactive and received appreciation for their efforts.
Green shared that his approach has avoided unnecessary conflicts and maintained unity within his party, stating, “I tried to do the job effectively, which didn’t create the usual divisions encouraging opposition.”
The governor’s solid standing in the party and the electorate has made for a secure path ahead, as he continues his leadership in Hawaii.
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