HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Republican Party took back the White House in Tuesday’s election. Meanwhile, the GOP appears to be improving its numbers here in Hawaii.
Although the state is still waiting for the final vote count, the Republican Party is optimistic for their candidates.
“West Oahu is now officially red on both the House and Senate levels,” stated Representative Diamond Garcia. “Our caucus should be growing to at least seven, maybe eight this year in the House and now three in the Senate.”
As of Wednesday evening, House Republican Candidates Garner Shimizu, Chris Muraoka and Julie Reyes Oda are leading their Democratic opponents. Republican Senate candidate Samantha DeCorte is winning against Cedric Gates.
“You are are elected to be the voice of the people, regardless of party affiliation,” said Tamara McKay, Hawaii Republican Party Chair. “When we’re starting to see that they’re ignoring the voices of the people, at some point there’s a breaking point and the people are going to stand up. This is one way for them to make a change.”
The chamber may have more than two Republican senators in over 20 years, according to Rep. Garcia.
“People are fed up and they’re realizing that with Democrats in power and control, things are only getting worse,” said Rep. Garcia. “People on the West side have said enough is enough. Let’s let’s do something different, and they actually voted in new leaders.”