Honolulu attorney John Choi announces run for lieutenant governor

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu attorney John Choi has officially entered the race for Hawaii lieutenant governor.

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Choi filed his nomination papers Tuesday with the State Office of Elections, qualifying for the 2026 ballot as a Democratic candidate.

Choi said his campaign will focus on ending what he calls Hawaii’s “pay-to-play” political culture and reducing the influence of special interests in government.

“For too long, Hawaii has been governed for the connected few instead of the people,” Choi said. “Big money writes the checks, insiders make the decisions, and working families get the bill.”

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Choi said he supports publicly funded elections, stricter campaign donation limits and closing loopholes that allow government contractors to donate to elected officials.

“When you take the money out, you change who government works for,” Choi said.

As a civil trial attorney, Choi said his campaign is centered on lowering the cost of living and restoring trust in government.

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami is currently the only other Democrat to officially file for the lieutenant governor race.

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The filing deadline for candidates in Hawaii’s 2026 election is June 2.