GOP gubernatorial, Lt. Gov. candidates discuss effort to surpass dominant Democrats

Aug 11, 2026

Hawaii's Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are launching a long-shot bid to break the Democratic Party's grip on the state, though the numbers show a steep uphill climb.

  • Contractor Gary Cordray won Saturday's GOP primary and now takes on Democratic Governor Josh Green, who pulled in roughly five times as many primary votes.
  • Cordray has been holding twice-a-month online forums from his home, drawing about 50 people each, and plans to keep courting voters virtually until Election Day.
  • His running mate, farmer and activist Daniel Anthony, trailed the Democratic pick for lieutenant governor, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, by a wide margin.
  • The pair say they'll focus on tax reform, including breaks for Native Hawaiian homeowners, and on making state government more open.

Outlook: The general election is set for November 3rd, but the lopsided primary results leave the Republican ticket as heavy underdogs in a deep-blue state.

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