Rep. David Tarnas fended off his Democratic challenger in Saturday’s primary election, with only one more challenger between him and reelection.
Tarnas’ District 8 (Waimea, Hawi) was one of only three state House races on the Big Island to feature a primary election challenge. On Saturday, Tarnas had received 2,796 votes, about 70% of the total between himself and challenger Makai Freitas, who received 1,203.
Tarnas will challenge Republican candidate Monique Perreira — who was unchallenged in her race, but received 785 votes nonetheless — in the general election.
Most other state House primary races on the Big Island were over before they even started, with most districts having only one candidate from any given party.
State House Districts 1, 2, and 7 were decided months ago, with only one candidate on the ballot for each district:
House District 1 (Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo): Incumbent Mark Nakashima received 4,582 votes.
House District 2 (parts of South Hilo): Richard Onishi, who was representative of District 3 before redistricting in 2020, received 5,555 votes.
House District 7 (North Kona): Nicole Lowen, who formerly represented District 6 before redistricting, received 2,630 votes.
Meanwhile, races for House Districts 4 and 5 will be decided at the general election, as no candidate for either district had a direct challenger within their party for the primary.
House District 4 (Puna): Incumbent Greggor Ilagan received 3,038 votes, but will face three challengers from three separate parties in the general election. Those challengers are Republican Keikilani Ho, who received 742 votes, nonpartisan candidate Brian Ley, who received 42 votes, and Libertarian candidate Candace Linton, who received 14 votes.
House District 5 (Ka‘u, Naalehu, Ocean View, Volcano, Keaau): Incumbent Jeanne Kapela received 3,243 votes. Kapela will face Republican challenger Lohi Goodwin — who received 736 votes — and Libertarian candidate Michael Last — 20 votes — in the general election.