Who Is Running for Governor of Hawaii in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Josh Green
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJosh Green prioritizes economic initiatives aimed at lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing, and addressing homelessness. His administration has focused on wildfire recovery efforts, including a $500 million plan for housing and direct rental assistance in Maui. He also supports green economy initiatives like the "Green Fee" to fund climate action and conservation, and advancing renewable energy goals. He states that lowering taxes for working families without cutting services and careful spending constitutes responsible government.
Immigration
HighGovernor Josh Green supports state legislation aimed at protecting immigrants and limiting federal immigration enforcement, advocating for accountability and due process for all individuals. He specifically opposes federal agents concealing their identities during enforcement, stating that such actions are counterintuitive and embolden misconduct. Green has also suggested alternate policies, such as a probationary period for undocumented immigrants who commit no violent crimes, emphasizing that peaceful non-citizens should not be targeted.
Healthcare
HighGovernor Josh Green advocates for healthcare expansion, implementing programs like HELP for provider loan repayment and increasing Medicaid rates to serve vulnerable populations. He supports preserving enhanced ACA tax credits and has secured federal funding for rural health transformation initiatives. Green is critical of Medicaid cuts, stating they would negatively impact rural hospitals and reduce access to care for communities.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Josh Green |
|---|---|
| Economy | Josh Green prioritizes economic initiatives aimed at lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing, and addressing homelessness. His administration has focused on wildfire recovery efforts, including a $500 million plan for housing and direct rental assistance in Maui. He also supports green economy initiatives like the "Green Fee" to fund climate action and conservation, and advancing renewable energy goals. He states that lowering taxes for working families without cutting services and careful spending constitutes responsible government. High |
| Immigration | Governor Josh Green supports state legislation aimed at protecting immigrants and limiting federal immigration enforcement, advocating for accountability and due process for all individuals. He specifically opposes federal agents concealing their identities during enforcement, stating that such actions are counterintuitive and embolden misconduct. Green has also suggested alternate policies, such as a probationary period for undocumented immigrants who commit no violent crimes, emphasizing that peaceful non-citizens should not be targeted. High |
| Healthcare | Governor Josh Green advocates for healthcare expansion, implementing programs like HELP for provider loan repayment and increasing Medicaid rates to serve vulnerable populations. He supports preserving enhanced ACA tax credits and has secured federal funding for rural health transformation initiatives. Green is critical of Medicaid cuts, stating they would negatively impact rural hospitals and reduce access to care for communities. High |
| Climate & Energy | Governor Josh Green supports robust climate action, emphasizing Hawaii's transition to a clean energy future and aiming for the state to lead globally in climate change response. He signed nation-leading legislation (H.B.1077 / S.B.1396) to increase the visitor lodging tax, creating a green fee to fund environmental protection and climate resilience projects. His administration proposed $126 million for such initiatives, including beach restoration and cesspool closure, highlighting the importance of protecting the environment for future generations. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | If elected Hawaii governor, Josh Green has stated he will issue an executive order on "day one" to ensure access to abortions and propose legislation to protect reproductive care providers and patients from prosecution under other states' laws. His position is driven by the goal of ensuring patient and provider safety, as well as protecting women's rights from external state regulations. He has received an endorsement from Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates – Hawaii. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Josh Green supports developing and funding a universal public Pre-K program and offering free community college education to all Hawaii high school graduates. He also advocates for building public-private workforce pipelines in education and expanding career and technical education. Green's administration supported HB 2147, which aims to increase funding for public education via a residential investment property surcharge. He believes quality education is crucial for creating opportunities and intends to hire and retain teachers while expanding literacy programs. High |
| Gun Policy | Josh Green supports gun control measures. In June 2023, he signed gun control legislation. He also supports a bill to ban assault weapons, which advanced to his desk for final consideration in 2025. This bill seeks to prohibit the import, sale, possession, and transfer of assault weapons like AR-15s, assault shotguns, and .50-caliber firearms in Hawaii, addressing a gap in existing law. Medium |
Get updates on Hawaii Governor
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.