Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the Hawaii Democrat who dipped into the Democratic presidential nomination contest last year, is facing an uncertain future in Congress after a longshot primary challenge in her home state.
Rosa Subeti, a small business owner and Navy veteran from Hawaii, announced in July that she would challenge Gabbard in the Democratic primary for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district. The seat is considered one of the most dominant positions in state politics, having been held by Gabbard since 2013.
Subeti, 41, is a member of the moderate Hawaii Democratic Party, while Gabbard, 41, is known for her progressive views and was a sensation in the 2020 presidential primary, earning endorsements and attention from liberal and progressive groups.
Subeti’s candidacy has already shaken up the political landscape of Hawaii, forcing Gabbard to counter by announcing her support for the Safe Roads Program, which aims to improve safety on Hawaiian highways, and reaffirming her commitment to veterans’ issues.
The primary challenge, scheduled for June 2022, has left many in Hawaii wondering what’s next for Gabbard, who has built a reputation as a rising star within the Democratic Party, generating enthusiasm and grassroots support. Her detractors claim she has made missteps in foreign policy matters and has been accused of being quoted anti-Semitic by The New York Times in 2019.
If Gabbard does not win the primary, she could face a tougher re-election effort in November 2022. Gabbard has long been expected to win re-election, but with the challenge from Subeti, who has already vowed to support the concerns of both military veterans and civilians, this special local election might bring about surprises that Shake up the Hawaiian political landscape, leaving the final outcome unknown.
