Hawaii Democrats select new party chair to focus on change, shared values

News admin May 31, 2026 0 Comments

Hawaii Democrats select new party chair to focus on change, shared values

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Democratic Party of Hawaii has elected a new chair, a key leadership role as Democrats prepare for the 2026 election cycle.

Party members gathered at their state convention Saturday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, where many leaders emphasized the need for unity and to push back against the Trump administration.

Delegates selected Makai Freitas as the new chair, who will focus on uniting the party ahead of this year’s elections and responding to policies coming out of Washington, D.C.

“It’s a big moment,” Freitas said. “I got a lot of support, and I am very appreciative of that. I am happy, excited, but now the work begins, so it’s cautious optimism.”

“It’s about our shared values in Hawaii. Considering what’s going on in the continent, it’s more important than ever that we’re united and fighting together for our causes,” said State Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii.

Freitas was up against Tina Marie Evan, and he won by a majority vote.

Former chair Derek Turbin said it’s been an honor to serve as the party chair for the past two years.

“We’ve been through so much,” he said. “I really believe I’m leaving the Democratic Party of Hawaii in a better place.”

Democratic leaders spent the day discussing issues they said are top of mind for voters.

“This is an opportunity for Democrats to gather statewide to have conversations about what’s important to the people of Hawaii, to talk about affordability, cost of living, and also to talk about how do we hold our people, our leaders, accountable, both at the federal and state level,” said State Rep. Della Au Belatti.

Belatti recently dropped her campaign for Congress Thursday to run for lieutenant governor, bringing new competition to two major Democratic primary races.

Many also focused on the party’s strategy heading into the midterm elections.

“We feel very good about taking back the House or the Senate or maybe even both,” Schatz said. “Polling is good, but more importantly, we’ve been able to recruit a diverse crop of candidates across the country.”

Candidates seeking higher office in Hawaii also used the convention to rally support, while criticizing actions by the Trump administration.

“I think people across the country want change,” said State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole. “They’re not happy with the price of gas, with the price of groceries. With another Middle East war and with the overreach from ICE and this Trump administration and the corruption. So there’s a lot here to be excited about. People are pumped up and we’re ready to fight.”

Keohokalole is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who some Democrats consider too moderate.

Several speakers specifically raised concerns about federal actions affecting Native Hawaiian programs and institutions,

“We’re really focused on protecting the Native Hawaiian community because obviously the Trump administration has decided to really do a full-fledged attack against Native Hawaiian institutions and people and programs,” Schatz said. “So we’ve got to come together and protect what we already have and build upon it.”

Party leaders said Saturday’s election marks the beginning of organizing efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.

As the newly elected chair, Freitas will now help guide the party’s strategy, fundraising and candidate support efforts moving forward.