Ed Case Will Seek Reelection on November 3, 2026

The representative for Hawaiʻi's 1st District faces challengers in the upcoming general election for his House seat.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Elections

The United States Capitol dome at golden hour, representing the legislative office of the U.S. House of Representatives. — U.S. Representative Ed Case announced he will seek a fifth term for Hawaiʻi's 1st Congressional District in the November 2026 election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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U.S. Representative Ed Case is campaigning for a fifth consecutive term to represent Hawaiʻi's 1st Congressional District in the general election on November 3, 2026. He faces Republican candidate Adriel Lam and nonpartisan candidate Nathan Berning in the race.

Why it matters

Case leverages his position on the House Appropriations Committee to direct federal resources to local projects, including a $142 million investment for the Red Hill water treatment facility. His platform also focuses on addressing national issues like the long-term solvency of Social Security.

Since 2021, Ed Case has secured 74 federal earmarks valued at approximately $325 million through his role on the House Appropriations Committee. These funds include a $142 million allocation for the Red Hill water treatment project.

The players

Ed Case

Ed Case is a U.S. Representative serving Hawaiʻi's 1st Congressional District and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Adriel Lam

Adriel Lam is the Republican candidate challenging for the congressional seat in the 1st District.

Nathan Berning

Nathan Berning is the nonpartisan candidate running for the congressional seat in the 1st District.

Jarrett Keohokalole

Jarrett Keohokalole is a politician who was defeated by Ed Case in the August Democratic primary.

The details

Case aims to continue his legislative focus through the Problem Solvers Caucus while pushing for gerrymandering reform. He maintains a local tradition of sign-waving in neighborhoods like Kapolei and Hawaiʻi Kai, a practice he adopted after losing his first race for the state Legislature by 36 votes in 1986.

1986: Ed Case lost his first state Legislature election by 36 votes.
August 2026: Ed Case won the Democratic primary election.
November 3, 2026: The general election will take place.
2032: Social Security is currently projected to become insolvent.

Political Context

Opponents have raised concerns regarding the fiscal implications of federal spending and the specific policy priorities advocated by the incumbent. Critics often challenge the efficacy of earmark-heavy legislative strategies and the overall direction of current federal budgetary policy.

The reelection of a representative who holds a seat on the House Appropriations Committee influences the availability of federal funding for local infrastructure projects and emergency programs. Citizens should consider how the candidates' platforms on Social Security and national fiscal policy align with their personal economic interests.

The takeaway

Voters in Honolulu have a clear choice between an incumbent with a long track record of securing federal funding and two challengers offering alternative perspectives. Understanding the local impacts of earmark allocations can help residents evaluate the practical differences between the candidates.