Unopposed races scattered across Hawaii’s primary election ballot
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii News Now reviewed more than 100 candidates running for state legislative and county council seats and found about 23 are running unopposed in the upcoming primary election.
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That means they will advance automatically and win their races without opposition.
Among them are some of the state’s most powerful political figures, including Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura.
Political analyst Colin Moore said the lack of competition for high-ranking incumbents raises concerns about accountability.
“It is concerning when you have people who are that influential who aren’t going to face a challenger,” Moore said. “Many viewers might be surprised to learn that two of the legislators they probably recognize the most don’t have to campaign for their seats.”
Other incumbents also advancing without opposition include Honolulu City Council members Matt Weyer and Val Okimoto.
Moore said uncontested council races are particularly notable given the body’s influence.
“The council has taken some controversial positions this year,” he said. “Being a member of the Honolulu City Council makes you one of the most powerful political actors in the whole state. There’s only nine members.”
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Just two of the 23 unopposed candidates are Republicans: state Reps. Lauren Matsumoto Cheape and David Alcos III.
Alcos said the lack of opposition is unusual but emphasized continued public engagement.
“I’m going to have to learn from this experience,” Alcos said. “It’s a free seat, but I do always work hard in everything that I do.”
He added that contested elections are important for the democratic process.
“I definitely would like to have people running and always be involved, whether it’s a Democrat, Republican, or no matter what party it is. I encourage everyone to continue running.”
Other unopposed candidates include several longtime Democratic incumbents across the Legislature.
Moore said the absence of challengers weakens electoral accountability.
“If they don’t have to face an election, then there really is far less accountability,” he said. “We really do need incumbents to face challengers to explain their positions and to have to go through that experience of campaigning and asking for their constituents’ votes.”
Ballots for Hawaii’s mail-in primary election will be sent to registered voters ahead of primary Election Day on Saturday, Aug. 8.
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