Freshman House Rep Who Recently Faced Controversy Becomes 32nd Dem Not to Seek Re-election

It was reported today that U.S. House Rep Kai Kahele (D-HI) will not seek re-election after serving just one term, becoming the 32nd Democrat to make that decision.

Kahele recently faced controversy as he had not visited Washington D.C. yet in 2022 until this week while also retaining a job as a pilot.

Instead, it is expected that Kahele will run for governor to replace term-limited Democrat David Inge.

If elected governor, Kahele would have to give up his job as a pilot as such a position does not allow for outside employment during the term.

It was also recently reported that former state Sen. Jill Tokuda (D) had filed to challenge Kahele for the congressional seat.

Tokuda was originally running for Lt. Gov. as the current officeholder, Democrat Josh Green, is also running for governor.

Green had high approval ratings in a poll taken last year, so it will be a tough race for Kahele given his recent scrutiny.

Redistricting expert Dave Wasserman noted that Kahele’s seat is +30 Democrat. Democrat Tulsi Gabbard was the previous representative in the seat.

Gabbard decided not to run for re-election in order to run for president and prior to that, current Democrat U.S. Sen Mazie Hirono was the representative so there is a history of it being a springboard to bigger things.

31st House Dem not seeking reelection in 2022 (#HI02 is Biden +30). https://t.co/yzSMXJnref

— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) April 28, 2022