Case is a moderate Democrat who some in his party hoped to defeat this year. But in general elections he regularly outperforms his colleagues.

As polls closed Saturday night, the incumbent surged ahead of state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole in the Democratic primary. That lead held Sunday morning.

Future Progress has a history of supporting Democratic candidates, but has yet to disclose its donors.

Democratic Rep. Jill Tokuda and GOP challenger Sen. Brenton Awa are expected to easily move on to the Nov. 3 general election.

New Federal Election Commission filings show that both candidates raised and spent about the same amount in the last quarter, but Case has more money left over for the final run.

“I will never let partisanship get in the way of delivering real help or real results for Hawaiʻi.”

“I do not believe Hawaiʻi should solve its energy challenges by becoming dependent on another imported fuel source.”

“In Congress I will fight to restore every federal Native Hawaiian program this administration is trying to defund.”

“The military and federal government need to be accountable for the damage they cause to the land they use.”

Experts say there’s little advantage for incumbents to debate their opponents even though the event benefits voters.