Gary Cordery, who owns a contracting company, won the Republican nomination for Hawaii governor after defeating business owner Ken Fujiyama in Saturday's primary.He is now set to face Democratic Gov.Josh Green in November in a race that heavily favors the incumbent.
The Cook Political Report rates the contest as Solid Democratic, with a Partisan Voting Index of D+13.Cordery faces a steep challenge: Hawaii has not had a Republican governor since Linda Lingle left office in 2010.FORMER TOP OREGON GOP OFFICIAL SECURES NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR AS REPUBLICANS TARGET BLUE-STATE PICKUPGary Cordery is running to become the next governor of Hawaii.(Gary Cordery for Governor via Facebook)In addition to facing an incumbent with a 56% approval rating and Hawaii's long history of Democratic control, Cordery faces a significant financial disadvantage against Green.Green has raised approximately $3.5 million, far outpacing Cordery, who has raised about $313,000, according to Honolulu Civil Beat.Despite the uphill battle, Cordery is pitching voters on a platform centered on lowering Hawaii’s high cost of living, reforming education and cracking down on corruption."As a husband, father and grandfather, businessman and community servant, I love Hawai’i," Cordery said in an interview with Honolulu Civil Beat.
"These islands of unique beauty have endured mismanagement for decades.Her people live under tremendous stress and anxiety.
I am running to open opportunity, create abundance and ensure stewardship of her resources, bringing accountability and hope for the people."THE AMERICAN DREAM NOW COMES WITH A ZIP CODE: HERE'S WHERE STARTER HOMES ARE STILL WITHIN REACHHawaii Gov.Josh Green delivers remarks as President Joe Biden listens during a visit to an area devastated by wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Aug.
21, 2023.(Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)Part of Cordery's plan to create abundance includes adding 15,000 homes across the islands for working families, with prices ra...