Washington, D.C. – This week Climate Hawks Vote and Food & Water Action announced their joint endorsement of Jarrett Keohokalole, running in Hawaii’s First District. Keohokalole is facing incumbent Ed Case in the August 8, 2026 primary.

Jarrett Keohokalole is a state representative, where he chairs the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. In the state legislature, he’s been a leading author on climate bills such as an innovative “make polluters pay” bill. He also led on cleaning up the Navy’s Red Hill groundwater contamination.  He’s signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge. He’d be the first Native Hawaiian to represent Hawaii in Congress.

Hawaii’s First District, comprised of the city of Honolulu and its suburbs, is a deep blue district. The New York Times has recently identified it as one of the six districts in the country most likely to oust a veteran moderate in favor of a more progressive, younger challenger. 

During Ed Case’s time in office, he has compiled a voting record much more moderate than his district. For example, Case was one of only four Democrats to vote for the voter suppression bill SAVE Act, H.R. 22. He was also one of ten Democrats to cross party lines and vote with all Republicans to censure Rep. Al Green of Texas. He has not been outspoken on climate or clean energy issues, despite Oahu’s vulnerability to climate impacts.

RL Miller, political director at Climate Hawks Vote, said: “Jarrett is the real deal. He’s not just another vote – he’s actually leading on climate bills. In Congress he’ll make polluters pay for the damage they’ve caused to Oahu and beyond.”

Thomas Meyer, deputy political director at Food & Water Action, said: “Jarrett Keohokalole is exactly the kind of progressive leader we need in Congress. He not only talks the talk when it comes to tackling the climate crisis, but he walks the walk, by refusing campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry and championing climate legislation in the state senate. Jarrett is committed to supporting working families by fighting to lower costs for food and energy and by protecting essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Food & Water Action and our members in Hawaii are excited to endorse Jarrett for Congress.”