Lieutenant Governor
Source: elections.hawaii.gov
What does this office do?
- Taking over if the governor leaves office
- Running the state senate's sessions, in many states
- Breaking tie votes in the state senate, in many states
Affects: AI Regulation, Healthcare Affordability, Environment and Public Health,
Candidates:
Daniel Anthony
AdvancedRepublican · advanced
A Kaneohe taro farmer who founded the poi business Mana Ai and runs a nonprofit supporting local farmers. He would focus on local food security and on making state government more open and trusted.
Records: Environment and Public Health 1 against
Della Au Belatti
Did not advanceDemocratic · lost
Della Au Belatti is a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. Her campaign site says she is running for Lieutenant Governor, describes her as born and raised in Manoa Valley, a Maryknoll School graduate, Princeton University graduate, former teacher, and a Hawaii state legislator who has served nearly 20 years and previously served as House Majority Leader.
Records: Anti-Corruption 2 for, Civil Rights 1 for
Derek S.K. Kawakami
AdvancedDemocratic · advanced
Mayor of Kauai since 2018. He would focus on building affordable housing for local residents, fixing aging infrastructure, and public safety.
Records: Environment and Public Health 1 for
Hopelin (Hope) Cresencia
Did not advanceRepublican · lost
Hopelin S. Cresencia, also listed with the nickname Hope, is a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii in the 2026 state primary. The Hawaii Office of Elections candidate report lists her as Hopelin S. Cresencia of Aiea, Hawaii, filed for Lieutenant Governor on May 29, 2026.
John Choi
Did not advanceDemocratic · lost
John Choi is a former Deputy Attorney General who built his career as a trial lawyer fighting for the people of Hawaii against powerful money interests. He campaigns against systemic corruption and pay to play politics.
Nonpartisan · lost
Kilakila D.A. Kamau is listed in the staged Hawaii Lieutenant Governor roster as a Nonpartisan candidate for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 state primary, with Wailuku, Hawaii candidate-location context and a May 29, 2026 filing date from the Hawaii Office of Elections candidate report.
Ku L. (Bobby) Cuadra
Did not advanceDemocratic · lost
Ku L. (Bobby) Cuadra describes himself as a cultural practitioner. His campaign materials address public education, disaster preparedness, and public trust.
Margaret Rose Mejia
Did not advanceRepublican · lost
Margaret Rose Mejia is listed in the staged Hawaii Lieutenant Governor roster as a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 state primary, with Kapolei, Hawaii candidate-location context and a May 27, 2026 filing date from the Hawaii Office of Elections candidate report.
Robert E. Peters
Did not advanceRepublican · lost
Robert E. Peters is listed in the staged Hawaii Lieutenant Governor roster as a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 state primary, with Honolulu, Hawaii candidate-location context and a May 21, 2026 filing date from the Hawaii Office of Elections candidate report.
Sam Puletasi
Did not advanceDemocratic · lost
Sam Puletasi, listed in the official roster hint as Palasi S. Puletasi of Ewa Beach, is a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii in the 2026 state primary. Secondary election summaries describe him as a former federal agent and prior Hawaii candidate, including for lieutenant governor in 2014 and U.S. House District 1 in 2018.
Sources: elections.hawaii.gov2 · olvr.hawaii.gov