Who's running in Hawaii's 1st congressional district
4 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
4 candidates · ballot order · Ed Case currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Jones Act reform and ending Trump's tariffs, which he says add thousands of dollars to each Hawaii family's yearly costs.
Using his Appropriations seat to steer federal money to Hawaii, including over $100 million a year for Native Hawaiian programs.
Declining to fund ICE and CBP through his Homeland Security subcommittee 'unless and until reformed.'
Rejoining international climate agreements and funding renewable energy.
A strong military presence in Hawaii alongside environmental protections.
Working privately with Republican colleagues to check the administration rather than 'yell, scream and swear about it.'
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Hawaii's 1st District since January 2019, and earlier for the 2nd District; re-elected with 71.8% in 2024.
Member of the House Appropriations Committee for eight years, including its Defense and Homeland Security subcommittees.
One of four Democrats to vote for the SAVE Act voter ID bill in April 2025; later opposed revised versions.
Only member of Hawaii's delegation not to sign a letter condemning federal immigration enforcement tactics in the islands.
Won the August 8, 2026 Democratic primary with 55.6% over state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole.
Endorsed by former Gov. David Ige, the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the American Federation of Government Employees, per Wikipedia.
Arguments in favor
Hawaii needs 'strong, smart, experienced leadership in Congress that can best navigate change, solve problems, defend democracy and help Hawai'i. From my seniority to Appropriations and more, that's what I've done.'
— Rep. Ed Case (Civil Beat candidate Q&A)
Environmental, abortion rights and federal employee groups have endorsed Case.
— League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and American Federation of Government Employees, per Wikipedia's race page
Arguments against
Case's vote for the SAVE Act ('Lame') and his refusal to sign the delegation's letter condemning immigration enforcement tactics show he has fallen out of touch: 'I don't think it's unfair for voters to ask what they've gotten out of his representation.'
— State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, Democratic primary opponent (Civil Beat)
Case has sometimes angered fellow Democrats with votes across party lines that were unnecessary in a deep blue state, and he raised about $1 million mostly from political action committees, including defense and sugar industry PACs.
— Civil Beat reporting
What we couldn’t verify
Case declined to debate Keohokalole in the primary; whether he will debate his general election opponents was not found in a loaded source.
No NRCC material on Case was found; the seat is not on a Republican target list in any loaded source.
Has not held elected office; lost the 2024 Republican US Senate primary.
Retired US Army officer.
Unopposed in the August 8, 2026 Republican primary with 18,530 votes.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
Lam's positions could not be found in a loaded source; he did not appear in Civil Beat's candidate Q&A series. No argument for or against him was found. Searched: 'Adriel Lam' with Case, Hawaii Republican Party, endorsement and criticism; Civil Beat, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hawaii News Now and Hawaii Public Radio coverage.
His campaign website and fundraising were not found.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
November 3, 2026 is Hawaii's general election, decided by plurality; there is no runoff. The map did not change for 2026: the districts drawn by Hawaii's reapportionment commission after the 2020 census remain in use, and no redraw or pending congressional map case was found. Hawaii's primary was held August 8, 2026. The roster follows the Hawaii Office of Elections' official primary results. Democratic Rep. Ed Case beat state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, 63,784 votes (55.6%) to 40,848, with three minor candidates; Adriel Lam was unopposed on the Republican ballot; Jordan Conley was unopposed on the Green ballot. Nonpartisan candidates advance under state law if they win 10% of the votes for the office or at least as many votes as the lowest-voted partisan nominee; nonpartisan Nathan Berning received 977 votes, more than Conley's 402, and so qualifies. No certified general election candidate list was loaded. Write-in candidates are not listed. The district covers urban Oahu from Hawaii Kai to Ewa, including Honolulu, Aiea, Mililani, Pearl City and Waipahu. Case won 71.8% in 2024. Candidates are listed Democrat, Republican, Green, nonpartisan as in published listings; that is not verified ballot order and implies no ranking.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Hawaii ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.