2026 Hawaii gubernatorial election
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November 3, 2026
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| Elections in Hawaii |
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The 2026 Hawaii gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Hawaii. The primary elections will take place on August 8, 2026.[1] Incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Green is eligible to seek election to a second term in office. Republicans have not won a gubernatorial election in Hawaii since Linda Lingle was re-elected in 2006.
Democratic primary
Governor
Potential
- Josh Green, incumbent governor (2022–present)
Declined
- Mike Gabbard, state senator (2006–present) and father of former U.S. Representative and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard[2]
Lieutenant governor
Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke is considered vulnerable to a potential primary challenge due to an ongoing investigation into her by Attorney General Anne Lopez over bribery allegations.[3]
Potential
- Sylvia Luke, incumbent lieutenant governor (2022–present)
Declined
- Kai Kahele, chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees (2024–present), former U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district (2021–2023), and candidate for governor in 2022[3]
Republican primary
Governor
Declined
- Mike Gabbard, state senator (2006–present) and father of former U.S. Representative and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (Democratic)[2]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[4] | Solid D | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[5] | Solid D | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[6] | Safe D | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[7] | Safe D | September 16, 2025 |
See also
References
- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". NCSL. May 9, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b "The Sunshine Blog: Mike Gabbard For Governor?". Honolulu Civil Beat. November 18, 2024.
I'm deeply engaged in preparing for the 2025 session and I have no interest in running for governor in 2026 as a Republican or a Democrat.
- ^ a b Nakaso, Dan (February 16, 2026). "Questions over Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke likely to inspire challengers". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.