Overview and Outcome
On November 6, 2018, Hawaii held its general election for governor during the broader midterm cycle. Incumbent Democratic Governor David Ige, first elected in 2014, sought and won a second term. The race featured several third-party and independent candidates alongside the two major parties. This guide explains the candidates, results, and context for this nonpartisan, evergreen reference.
Candidates and Endorsements
Democratic Primary
In the Democratic primary, incumbent David Ige faced challenges but secured the nomination. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green also won his primary unopposed for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. The Democratic ticket of Ige and Green emphasized continuity on cost of living, tourism management, and infrastructure.
General Election Candidates
| Candidate | Party | Role | Ballot Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Ige (incumbent) | Democratic | Governor | General |
| Josh Green | Democratic | Lieutenant Governor | General |
| Andria Tupola | Republican | Former State Representative | General |
| Esther Kia‘āina | Democratic | Former State Senator | General |
| Travis Allen | Republican | Candidate | General |
| Additional third-party and independent candidates | Various | N/A | General |
Election Results and Vote Share
Official results certified by the State of Hawaii showed David Ige reelected with a decisive margin. No statewide ballot measures were decided on the same ballot in 2018.
| Office | Candidate | Votes | Percent | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | David Ige (incumbent) | ~333,000 | ~62.7% | Won |
| Governor | Andria Tupola | ~121,000 | ~22.8% | Lost |
| Governor | Esther Kia‘āina | ~40,000 | ~7.5% | Lost |
| Governor | Travis Allen | ~20,000 | ~3.8% | Lost |
| Lt. Governor | Josh Green (incumbent) | ~367,000 | ~72.2% | Won |
Key Context and Hawaii Voting Patterns
Hawaii is a heavily Democratic state in presidential and statewide contests, and gubernatorial elections typically reflect that lean. Turnout in 2018 was strong, driven by competitive Senate and House races nationally. The Democratic ticket maintained the coalition of voters that had supported Ige since 2014, including urban, suburban, and rural communities. This race occurred alongside judicial and legislative contests that shaped Hawaii’s policy landscape for years.
Issues and Campaign Themes
- Affordable housing and cost of living
- Tourism management and environmental protection
- Infrastructure, traffic, and public transit
- Education, health care, and public safety
Candidates presented varied approaches to these topics, with the Democratic incumbent highlighting stability and incremental progress, while Republican challengers focused on policy alternatives and reforms.
Voting and Election Administration
Hawaii conducted elections using an open primary, where all candidates appear on a single primary ballot regardless of party, with the top vote-getters from each party advancing to the general. In 2018, all counties used vote-by-mail as the primary method, with limited in-person voting locations. Official certification followed canvass and review procedures defined by state law, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Legacy and Historical Context
The 2018 election reaffirmed Democratic control of the governor’s office in Hawaii and continued a pattern of incumbent reelection seen in prior cycles. For nonpartisan reference, this outcome is notable within the state’s modern political history but is presented here as an evergreen explanation of roles, candidates, and processes for future readers studying Hawaii elections.