Gary Cordery Will Challenge Governor in Hawaii Election
The Republican candidate will face the incumbent on November 3 as voters weigh Hawaii's cost of living.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Political Parties
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Republican gubernatorial candidate Gary Cordery will face incumbent Governor Josh Green in the general election on November 3. The race follows Cordery's victory in the August 8 primary election.
Why it matters
Cordery is centering his campaign on the state's cost of living and outbound migration, seeking to break a two-decade streak of Democratic control in the governor's office. He has actively pressured the incumbent to engage in a televised debate to discuss these economic concerns.
Gary Cordery secured 36,428 votes in the August 8 primary, while prediction market Kalshi currently estimates his chance of victory at 3%. Governor Josh Green holds a significant fundraising lead with $3.7 million raised this cycle.
The players
Gary Cordery
He is a general contractor and the founder of the construction company Kingdom Builders.
Josh Green
He is the incumbent governor of Hawaii who won the 2022 election with 62% of the vote.
Ken Fujiyama
He is the candidate who was defeated by Gary Cordery in the August 8 Republican primary.
The details
Gary Cordery, a 66-year-old general contractor and co-founder of the Aloha Freedom Coalition, has sought to bring attention to high local tax levels. He has attempted to initiate a debate with Governor Josh Green through certified mail, social media, and news releases.
Timeline
August 8, 2026: Gary Cordery defeated Ken Fujiyama in the GOP primary election.
November 3, 2026: The Hawaii gubernatorial general election takes place.
Political Context
Opponents of the Republican platform argue that the incumbent's 2022 landslide victory demonstrates broad public support for current policies. Critics of Cordery emphasize that Hawaii has not elected a Republican governor in 20 years, viewing this attempt as a long-shot campaign.
The gubernatorial race highlights ongoing debates regarding the state's food excise tax, which generates approximately $250 million in annual revenue. Residents will directly feel the impact of any future policy shifts on the cost of living and tax burdens.
The takeaway
The race underscores the deep divide between the candidates over the state's economic future and high cost of living. Voters should prepare for the final November 3 vote by reviewing the specific tax proposals presented by both the incumbent and the challenger.
Further reading
Learn more about local dynamics in the Political Parties section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Honolulu Civil Beat.
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Is the cost of living in your area becoming more affordable for long-term residents?
