Hawaii contractor nominated to construct GOP comeback after two-decade Democratic hold on governor's mansion

Gary Cordery secured the Republican nomination for Hawaii governor, setting him up to challenge incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Green. Cordery faces significant disadvantages, including a large fundraising gap and Hawaii’s history of Democratic control, with no Republican governor since 2010. He is campaigning on lowering the cost of living, reforming education, and fighting corruption, proposing measures like increasing affordable housing and tax relief.

• Gary Cordery won the Republican nomination for Hawaii governor.
• He will face incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Green in November.
• Hawaii has a strong Democratic lean, with no Republican governor since 2010.
• Green has a significant fundraising advantage over Cordery.
• Cordery’s platform focuses on reducing the cost of living, education reform, and anti-corruption measures.
• Proposed solutions include increasing affordable housing and providing tax relief on food and medicine.