Beth Fukumoto

Beth Fukumoto served three terms in the Hawaii House of Representatives where she was recognized as one of Washington Post’s “40 under 40″ rising political stars, Business Insider’s “8 of the most influential millennial women in US politics,” and Apolitical’s “100 Future Leaders: The World’s Most Influential Young People in Government.” She was the youngest woman in the U.S. to lead a major party in a legislature, the first elected Republican to switch parties after Trump’s election, and a Democratic congressional candidate. Currently, she works as a political commentator and teaches leadership and ethics at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Beth Fukumoto: This Stretch Of Hawaiʻi Is Edging Republican Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

Beth Fukumoto: This Stretch Of Hawaiʻi Is Edging Republican

The energy seems on the GOP side in part of West Oʻahu that is no longer reliably Democratic. Here, there are opportunities for Republican growth.

Beth Fukumoto: Who Doesn’t Like Ranked Choice Voting? Incumbents Screenshot/2024

Beth Fukumoto: Who Doesn’t Like Ranked Choice Voting? Incumbents

Hawaiʻi lawmakers, even the progressive ones, have not embraced voting reforms including ranked choice.

Beth Fukumoto: The Debate Over Debates Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Beth Fukumoto: The Debate Over Debates

The transparency that comes with debates is vital for competitive elections and the health of democracy itself.

Beth Fukumoto: New Honolulu Election Proposal Is A Good Small Step Ronen Zilberman/Civil Beat/2022

Beth Fukumoto: New Honolulu Election Proposal Is A Good Small Step

Ranked choice voting is a tangible, workable first step that voters can actually take.

Beth Fukumoto: What High School Graduations Ought To Mean To All Of Us Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Beth Fukumoto: What High School Graduations Ought To Mean To All Of Us

They’re a reminder of who we are and who we are still trying to be.

Beth Fukumoto: Hawaiʻi’s New ‘Millionaires Tax’ Is Good Politics Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Beth Fukumoto: Hawaiʻi’s New ‘Millionaires Tax’ Is Good Politics

People are angry about the economy, and they know the policies of the past haven’t delivered for them.

Beth Fukumoto: We Can And Should Do Better Next Session On AI Kalany Omengkar/Civil Beat/2023

Beth Fukumoto: We Can And Should Do Better Next Session On AI

Hawaiʻi’s efforts to protect the public and regulate artificial intelligence fell short compared to other states.

Beth Fukumoto: Saving Hawaiʻi’s Income Tax Cuts Was No Small Feat Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Beth Fukumoto: Saving Hawaiʻi’s Income Tax Cuts Was No Small Feat

Budget negotiators made hard choices and delivered on a promise that was genuinely difficult to keep.

Beth Fukumoto: Some Bills Are Perennial Losers For Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026

Beth Fukumoto: Some Bills Are Perennial Losers For Hawaiʻi Lawmakers

Every year, lawmakers introduce many bills that seek solutions for important problems. Every year, they die.