Hawaii primary: state senate GOP race decided by 7 votes

Aug 11, 2026

A Hawaii Republican state senate primary came down to just seven votes, triggering an automatic recount.

  • In District 20, challenger Bob McDermott edged out incumbent Kurt Fevella by seven votes, with the lead swinging on the final printout.
  • McDermott ran an anti-establishment campaign with no fundraising, going door to door, while Fevella focused on schools in this traditionally red area.
  • State law forces an automatic recount for any race decided by 100 votes or less, so results here aren't final.
  • In the Maui County mayor race, incumbent Richard Bissen beat council member Yuki Sugimura by more than 12 points, but both advance to the general election.

Outlook: The recount happens tomorrow morning at the Office of Elections, which will decide the final winner.

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