Who is Gary Cordery and what is Cordery running on in the 2026 Hawaii Governor race?
Gary Cordery (R) is a long shot in the 2026 Hawaii Governor race, with about a 4% chance of winning, according to Kalshi and Polymarket on Oct 1.
Answer from Mary's digital twin. Checkmark turns Green once she confirms it.
spio.comGary Cordery is the Republican candidate for Hawaii governor. Businessman and contractor; first-time statewide nominee. Won the GOP primary with 66.6% over Ken Fujiyama. Running mate: Daniel Anthony. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The race
Chance of winning: Kalshi and Polymarket, Oct 1
- The seat: Incumbent Josh Green (D) seeking second term.
- Rating: Solid D (Cook, Inside Elections).
Why Cordery is behind
- Hawaii is one of the most Democratic states; Republicans have not won the governorship since 2006.
- Primary turnout gap: Green won 184,289 votes in the Aug 8 Democratic primary vs about 36,400 for Cordery in the GOP primary.
- Money: Green had raised $3.5M with $2M on hand by July; Cordery about $300K, all spent, with $14K debt.
- Incumbency and approval: Fox News reports a 56% approval rating for Green and credits his response to the Lahaina fire and Kona storms.
What Cordery is running on
- Housing. Would raise the share of land zoned for development from 5% to 6%, reserved for local families to buy and help build.
- Cost of living. Wants to cut taxes, fees and the scope of government, and freeze property taxes on retirees’ primary homes.
- Taxes. Would remove the excise tax on food and medicine.
- Taxes. Proposes tax exemptions for Native Hawaiian homeowners.
- Government spending. Argues the state’s $20.5 billion budget is far too large for 1.4 million people.
- Homelessness. Would first assess why people are homeless, end incentives that grow departments, and invest directly in people.
- Education. Supports education reforms that stress financial literacy.
In Cordery’s own words
“We will amend the 5% of zoned land to 6%, this additional land will be for local families to purchase and partner in the construction phase, creating generational wealth.”
“This campaign, our campaign is about solutions for the people.”
The other candidates
Every race
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