HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – In a contentious race, Kim Coco Iwamoto is taking the lead over House Speaker Scott Saiki after the second runoff of the 2024 primary election.

After losing to Saiki in two previous elections by less than 200 votes, Iwamoto is again launching a strong campaign against him for the District 25 seat.

So far, Iwamoto has received 2,461 votes. Saiki is behind by 202 votes with 2,259 total.

District 25 covers Ala Moana, Kakaako and Downtown Honolulu. Although the area is not large geographically, the political stakes are high.

If the powerful Speaker of Parliament can be beaten in this tough campaign territory, it could shake up the entire state government.

In an interview with HNN, Gov. Josh Green shared his take on the close race.

“My heart goes out to Scott, because I’ve served with him all these years,” Green said.

“Now I can say very positive things about Kim Coco as well. She’s been an extraordinary advocate, very intelligent person, passionate… We’ve never really had anything in common. We ran against each other once for lieutenant governor, but this is very competent people, and there will be a very strong representative coming out of that district. But it will be something of a shock to the system in the Legislature if the Speaker does not win.”

Special department: Election 2024

At Iwamoto’s election headquarters at Morning Brew in Kakaako, the crowd excitedly cheered the results of the first printout.

“I’m so happy. We’ve never ever been ahead in a report that’s been given the last three times,” Iwamoto said. “I wasn’t just, you know, campaigning against him. I was campaigning against the entire Democratic establishment in some way.”

Throughout her campaign, she has emphasized her work to listen to society.

“I really look at campaigning as an extension of my community service and community involvement and my philanthropy. It’s all tied to just wanting to improve the quality of life for our neighbors, especially the kupuna, the young families, you know, our vulnerable neighbors… it’s what motivates me,” Iwamoto said.

Signs for the candidates can be seen scattered in the neighborhood and along the main roads.

Iwamoto said hearing from voters has been encouraging, with many saying, “It’s time for change.”

A civil rights attorney and former elected school board member, Iwamoto ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor and state senate before launching three campaigns against Saiki.

She lost to Saiki by 167 votes in 2020 and 161 votes in 2022.

Meanwhile, Saiki is backed by the governor and other top politicians, which Iwamoto said proves he is entrenched.

The match will be the most expensive state house campaign. As of the end of June, Saiki has spent $227,091 and Iwamoto $109,183.

One of the major problems in the district is the rising prices of apartment insurance.

One of Iwamoto’s flyers claimed that Saiki failed to prevent the home insurance crisis. Saiki said he is working with the governor to address the emergency.

Saiki also touts a big tax break, which Iwamoto thinks won’t last long.

Since both candidates for District 25 are Democrats, the winner will be decided on Saturday.

Click here for full election results.

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