Hawaii primaries pose latest test for Democrats amid party split over Israel

Hawaii's Democratic primary on Saturday pits incumbent Rep. Ed Case against state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who criticizes Case as too close to corporate interests and calls for ending military aid to Israel. Case voted against a proposed ban on $3 billion in security aid to Israel last month and criticized Israel's response to Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. Keohokalole said he would have voted for the ban. The district is safely Democratic, so the outcome won't affect House control.

Hawaii's Democratic primary on Saturday presents the latest test of the party's internal divide over Israel, as incumbent Rep. Ed Case faces a challenge from state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole. Case, 73, a moderate with a pro-Israel record, voted last month against a proposed ban on $3 billion in security aid to Israel, while also criticizing Israel's military response to Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. Keohokalole, 43, argues Case is too close to corporate interests and supports expanded government healthcare and ending military aid to Israel. He said he would have voted for the ban. The outcome is unlikely to affect Democrats' chances of winning the House, as the Honolulu-based district is safely Democratic. Case has held the seat since 2019 and previously from 2002 to 2007. Keohokalole highlights Case's campaign donations from businesses, while Case argues Hawaii will attract fewer federal dollars if he is not reelected. The race reflects broader frustration among progressive voters with party leaders seen as too old and too close to Israel.