Hawaii Republicans Trail in Key House Races
Republicans face steep losses in the state House as final vote counts remain pending in several districts.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Political Parties
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Hawaii Republicans are trailing in multiple House races as the final election printout remains pending. Ellie Cochran lost her bid for re-election in District 14 after changing parties months before the election.
Why it matters
Republicans hold 10 seats in the Hawaii House, and a loss of nearly half of them would substantially reduce the party's influence in the state legislature. The outcome shows how low Republican turnout can shape results in a Democrat-dominated state.
Republicans held 10 seats in the Hawaii House before the election, and an estimated share of nearly half of those seats were at risk in the unofficial count. Final outcomes in several close districts remain unresolved until the last printout is released.
The players
Ellie Cochran
Ellie Cochran is a former Hawaii state representative who lost her re-election bid in District 14 after switching parties.
Bob McDermott
Bob McDermott is a Hawaii Republican politician who won the District 20 primary against fellow Republican Kurt Fevella.
The details
Joe Gedeon is trailing in District 18, Garner Shimizu in District 32 and Daniel DeGracia in District 39, while Julie Reyes Oda, Diamond Garcia and Kanani Souza hold slim leads in Districts 40, 42 and 43. District 43 is a primary do-over against Republican Sheila Medeiros, and Bob McDermott beat fellow Republican Kurt Fevella in the District 20 primary. Lauren Matsumoto and David Alcos were unopposed, and Chris Muraoka leads by a wide margin in District 45.
Timeline
2024: Republican turnout boosted Hawaii Republicans two years earlier.
November 5, 2026: Election results were reported while one final printout remained pending.
Political Context
Hawaii Republicans benefited from stronger turnout in 2024, but the current results reflect the reverse dynamic as low engagement among Republican voters left several seats exposed. The absence of Donald Trump on the ballot this year is cited as one factor in the reduced Republican turnout.
The final printout will determine whether several close House seats change hands, affecting which party controls the state House. Readers following Hawaii legislative representation should watch for certified results in Districts 40, 42 and 43.
The takeaway
Party turnout can decide close legislative races, and voters who skip elections may see their party's representation shrink. Checking official certified results will confirm which candidates ultimately win.
Further reading
Track party standings and results in Political Parties coverage for Hawaii.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaiinewsnow.
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