Hawaii Congressman Ed Case Defeats Anti-Israel Progressive Upstart in Democratic Primary

Hawaii Congressman Ed Case has secured a victory in the Democratic primary, fending off a progressive challenger whose campaign focused heavily on foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel. Case, a moderate Democrat with a consistent pro-Israel voting record, defeated State Senator Jarett Keohokalole by a wide margin. The Associated Press called the race when Case held a more than twenty-point lead. Keohokalole conceded, acknowledging policy differences and stating the moment called for more. The challenger had campaigned on calls for expanded government healthcare and ending military aid to Israel, an issue that has resonated with some segments of the Democratic electorate this year. Several anti-Israel candidates have won primary races in other states, making this Hawaii contest a point of interest. Case, who was first elected in 2018, has voted against measures that would ban security aid to Israel, though he has also voiced criticism of Israel's military response to the Oct. 7 attacks. Keohokalole, meanwhile, was more direct in his opposition, stating he did not believe any more money should be given to Israel for its military actions. The challenger also criticized Case for not taking a stronger stance against the war in Iran. Beyond foreign policy, Keohokalole also took issue with Case's past support for a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Case, however, emphasized his influence on the House Appropriations Committee as a benefit to his district, arguing that electing the progressive challenger would risk losing that advantage. The incumbent also benefited from Hawaii's open primary system, allowing him to draw support from a broader range of voters.

“

We ran because we had policy differences and we ran because we felt that the moment called for more.