Hawaii Democrat Ed Case defeats progressive challenger in primary
Ed Case, the Democratic representative for Hawaii’s first congressional district, secured a decisive victory in Saturday’s primary election against state senator Jarrett Keohokalole. The race had drawn significant attention due to recent primary successes by left-wing candidates critical of Israel in other states. With 80 per cent of the vote counted, the Associated Press projected Case as the winner with 60 per cent to Keohokalole’s 36 per cent. Keohokalole, 43, conceded the race and described his 73-year-old opponent as a "good man," telling the Honolulu Civil Beat that the campaign was driven by policy disagreements. Voter turnout was reported at approximately 29 per cent. Keohokalole’s platform included the expansion of public healthcare and an end to US military aid to Israel, stating he did not believe the US should continue funding the war. This issue has been a prominent feature of Democratic primaries this year, with anti-Israel candidates winning in Michigan, New York, and Colorado. Case, who has held the seat since 2018, has a record of supporting Israel but recently opposed a measure to block $3 billion in security assistance. He has also criticised Israel’s military response to the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, telling Hawaii News Now that he disagreed with the intensity and the scale of civilian deaths, while also expressing opposition to Israel’s current leadership. Keohokalole had stated he would have voted to block the aid. Keohokalole also criticised Case for not taking a firmer stance against the war in Iran, which the report claims the US began alongside Israel in late February. Keohokalole argued that Case had failed to call for an immediate end to the conflict or to oppose the use of taxpayer funds for it. On domestic policy, Keohokalole challenged Case’s support for a Republican-backed bill requiring proof of citizenship for voting, though Case withdrew his support after the option to sign an affidavit was removed. Case defended his record by highlighting his position on the House Appropriations Committee, arguing that his seniority provides significant influence for Hawaii that would be lost if a progressive candidate were elected. As one of the most fiscally conservative Democrats in the House, Case successfully drew support from independents and Republicans alongside his Democratic base. Case is expected to win re-election in November, as Hawaii’s first district is considered a safe Democratic seat.