The Hawaiʻi congressman has drawn a couple of high-profile challengers in the 2026 election. But they seem to be running against Trump, not Case.

Mayor Derek Kawakami has not decided his next move, which may depend on a looming decision by Hawaiʻi Senate President Ron Kouchi, whom he calls a mentor.

Two familiar faces on the Garden Island have emerged as frontrunners, declaring their intent to run months before it’s even time for candidates to register.