Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda won the Hawaii primary on Saturday, clearing the field for a November matchup with Republican state Sen. Brenton Awa. The progressive Democrat is now seeking a third term in Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat that covers the rest of the state outside Oahu along with rural and suburban areas on the island.
Tokuda defeated three Democratic challengers and advanced without facing a serious threat to her renomination. The Cook Political Report rates the district D+12, a sign that Democrats are strongly favored to hold the seat in the midterms. Her win comes as House Democrats around the country have dealt with intraparty fights, though Tokuda’s own race never developed into a close contest.
The primary did draw attention because one of Tokuda’s longshot opponents, Kirill Basin, was arrested after a violent confrontation at Keawakapu Beach that was caught on video. According to Honolulu Civil Beat, Basin allegedly threatened a man who asked him to turn down his music. A fight followed when a bystander stepped in, and Basin allegedly pulled out a knife.
Tokuda addressed the episode in comments to Hawaii News Now, calling the video disturbing. She said that any person running for office, or any member of the public, should be held responsible for their actions. Her response put the focus on accountability rather than the broader primary race, which had already tilted heavily in her favor.
