Sylvia Luke wins Democratic race for Lt. Governor; Seaula Tupai tops GOP field
Stay updated on Hawaii and national elections coverageSylvia Luke has won the six-way Democratic race to be Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor, capturing 37% of the vote with nearly all ballots counted.
Among the race’s other top contenders, Ikaika Anderson has secured 27% of the vote and Keith Amemiya 23%.Sherry Menor-McNamara trails with about 10%.
The lieutenant governor’s race has been one of the most competitive races this primary season, with a Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll in July showing Luke, Anderson and Amemiya in a statistical tie.
The winner will join the ticket of current Lt. Gov. Josh Green who handily won the race to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for governor.
The lieutenant governor doesn’t have many official duties other than signing name change orders and processing other government documents, while also being on standby if the governor dies or is in some way incapacitated. But the office is often used as a springboard to higher office.
Luke, the longtime chair of the powerful House Finance Committee and an attorney, has touted her extensive government experience during the campaign, saying it will help her elevate the office of the lieutenant governor to be more effective.
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Seaula Tupai, a pastor from Hilo, has won the race to be the Republican Party’s nominee for lieutenant governor, after securing 51% of the vote. Rob Burns has 36% and Tae Kim has 13%.
Tupai will join the ticket of James “Duke” Aiona who easily beat out competitors to be the Republican nominee for governor.
The lone nonpartisan candidate for lieutenant governor is Charles (Kale) Keoho.
Go to https://staradvertiser.com/election for updates, resources and live results from today’s Hawaii Primary Election.
