After mulling running for seats closer to home, state Sen. Russell Ruderman says he will ask 2nd District residents for another four years as their representative at the state Capitol.
Ruderman, a Democrat and owner of Island Naturals food stores, was first elected to the district covering Puna and parts of Ka‘u in 2012.
With a baby on the way, he said earlier this year he was considering running for either Hawaii County mayor or County Council to spend more time on-island.
“I prefer being here than being in Honolulu,” he said Monday. “But, with the support of my wife, we felt that the sacrifice of being gone part of the year is worth it because it’s an important seat, it’s an important position, and I feel it’s worthwhile to hold onto it.”
Candidate filing doesn’t begin until Feb. 1, but the first-term senator already has a challenger.
Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan announced in August that he would be running for the Senate seat.
Ilagan, a two-term councilman, also won his first post in 2012. He said he welcomed Ruderman into the contest.
“I’m glad that Ruderman has decided to run for Senate because no matter what happens, the people of Puna will be represented,” said Ilagan, 29.
He said his campaign will focus on health care, employment, housing and transportation, among other issues.
Both will run as Democrats. The primary is Aug. 13.
Ruderman, 61, said he would continue to support local food and agriculture if re-elected. He said he also wants to see funding for a Puna regional library come through and plans to continue to seek additional funds for charter schools and the Puna Community Medical Center.
The senator lost his chairmanship of the Senate Agriculture Committee last session during a leadership shuffle at the Legislature. He said he doesn’t see that as significantly limiting what he can accomplish.
“It just changes the way the game is played,” he said.
Ruderman, who was named the State of Hawaii Small Business Administration Business Person of the Year, said he also is running again because he thinks it’s important for the district to have someone who “represents our community and not some Oahu interests.”
State Campaign Spending Commission records show both candidates have hosted a campaign fundraiser in Honolulu this year. Ruderman hosted another fundraiser in Pahoa.
Daryl Smith, the Republican candidate who lost to Ruderman in the 2012 election, said he is not running for elected office this year.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
