Democratic Presidential Nominee and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has endorsed State Senator Kaiali‘i Kahele, the Democratic nominee for Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District.
“I am proud to endorse Kai Kahele for Congress, because he has and is always ready to serve his community,” said Biden. “When the State of Hawaiʻi activated Hawaiʻi National Guard units to assist with the state’s COVID-19 relief efforts, Kai volunteered to serve. Whether it is joining COVID-19 response missions or leading a grassroots movement to stop Hawai‘i Island’s spread of dengue fever in his hometown of Miloliʻi in 2015, Kai provides leadership when it is needed most.”
Kahele said, “I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden, a leader of integrity. I am hopeful for his victory in November and, if I am elected to Congress, I look forward to working with a Democratic White House.”
Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Chair Tyler Dos Santos-Tam said, “Kai Kahele has never shied away from a challenge. As a legislator, he has taken on tough issues and always sought to bring people together to find a path forward. With his extensive experience as a legislator, veteran, and community leader, Kai Kahele is well-equipped to represent Hawai‘i in Congress.”
The Biden endorsement follows last month’s endorsement by former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Other Endorsements
Other endorsements by individuals include: Hawai‘i Senior U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Hawai‘i U.S. Congressman Ed Case, Fmr. Hawaiʻi Gov. John Waiheʻe, Fmr. Hawaiʻi Gov. Ben Cayetano, Fmr. Hawaiʻi Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Hawai‘i State Sen. Pres. Ronald Kouchi, Hawai‘i State Sen. VP Michelle Kidani, Fmr. Lt. Gov. & Fmr. HI State Sen. Pres. Shan Tsutsui, Ikaika Anderson, Fmr. Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Fmr. Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA 6th District), U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Congressman Brad Sherman, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman Mark Pocan, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congressman Mark Takano, Congressman Jason Crow, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Congressman Max Rose, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, Sen. Stanley Chang, Sen. Kurt Fevella, Sen. Dru Kanuha, Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, Sen. Clarence Nishihara, Sen. Gil Riviere, Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, Rep. Stacelynn Eli, Rep. Cedric Gates, Rep. Joy San Buenaventura, Rep. Chris Todd, Rep. Tina Wildberger, Hawai‘i County Councilmember Sue Lee Loy, CMSgt. Robert Lee (Ret.) Hawai‘i National Guard, Hon. Steven Levinson, Ret. Hawai‘i Supreme Court Justice, Fmr. Rep. Kaniela Ing, Dr. Amy Agbayani, Civil Rights Activist, Dr. Patricia Nekoba, Educator, Toni Lee, Native Hawaiian Community Leader, Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, Native Hawaiian Community Leader, Sivan Leoni, Fmr. UH Men’s Volleyball Teammate, and Rick Tune, Fmr. UH Volleyball Teammate.
Unions that have endorsed Kahele include: ILWU, Local 142; HGEA AFSCME, Local 152, AFL-CIO; Iron Workers, Local 625; Hawaii Masons Union, Local 1; Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA); Association of Flight Attendants-CWA; United Food & Commercial Workers Local 480; Plumbers & Fitters UA Local 675; Spirit Airlines Pilots ALPA MEC; Hawaii Teamsters & Allied Workers Local 996; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463; Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council; United Public Workers/AFSCME; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades – District Council 50; International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers; BAC Local 1 Hawaii; Hawaii State Teachers Association; National Education Association; Hawaii Island Contractors’ Association PAC; Unite Here Local 5; International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers Legislative Education Action Program PAC; American Federation of Government Employees; Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters Local 745; National Air Traffic Controllers Association; National Nurses United; Hawai‘i Nurses’ Association; State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers; University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 1260; and Union Veterans Council AFL-CIO.
Organizations that have endorsed Kahele include: Tri-Caucus PAC (ASPIRE PAC, BOLD PAC, Congressional Black Caucus PAC); Daily Kos; Serve America; New Politics; Emgage PAC; Progressive Caucus; Planned Parenthood Action Fund; VoteVets; Demand Universal Healthcare; Human Rights Campaign; Friends of Intelligent Democracy; People for the American Way; Progressive Change Campaign Committee; League of Conservation Voters Action Fund; Brady PAC; Realtors® PAC; Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii; Future Forum PAC; Humane Society Legislative Fund; Voter Protection Project; DMFI PAC; Giffords PAC; Americans for Democratic Action; Asian American Action Fund; End Citizens United and Let America Vote; Democrats Abroad-Global Veterans and Military Families Caucus; Jewish Democratic Council of America; and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare.