Republican Brenton Awa lost badly to incumbent Democrat Jill Tokuda in Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District race, and he says he's actually relieved about it.

• Awa conceded after losing by a wide margin, roughly 71% to 29%.
• He blamed the loss on straight-ticket party loyalty, saying voters stuck with their party regardless of the candidate.
• He says he's considering leaving the Republican Party to become an independent.
• He's eyeing a run for mayor instead of Congress, and plans to keep working on local projects like tree planting and school programs in the meantime.

Outlook: Awa says he may leave the GOP and run for mayor next, while Tokuda keeps her seat for another two years.