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Sen. Kai Kahele says he’s raised $250K for run at U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s seat

STAR-ADVERTISER / JAN. 21

Kai Kahele (D-Hilo) announced today that he raised $250,194 for his congressional bid during the quarter that ended March 31, attracting contributions from more than 3,000 donors, with an average contribution of $77.

Hawaii Sen. Kai Kahele (D-Hilo) announced today that he raised $250,194 for his congressional bid during the quarter that ended March 31, attracting contributions from more than 3,000 donors, with an average contribution of $77.

Kahele is running for the U.S. House of Representatives’ seat currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The seat represents rural Oahu and the neighbor islands.

Gabbard, who is running for president, has not indicated whether she intends to seek reelection next year to her House seat. She can simultaneously run for both seats, according to Hawaii’s Office of Elections.

Candidates for federal office are required to file their quarterly reports with the Federal Elections Commission by April 15, at which point more information will be publicly available about Kahele’s donors.

“When I announced my candidacy just 78 days ago in my home town of Hilo, I could have never imagined the overwhelming amount of support the people of Hawaiʻi have showed me. I am grateful and humbled by the faith and confidence they are putting in my campaign for Congress,” Kahele said in a press release announcing the contributions. “It is a long road ahead, but as our first quarter fundraising numbers show, we will have the resources to build a solid foundation for what will be one of the largest grassroots campaigns in the State. I look forward to continuing my travels across the district and hearing directly from the people on what their concerns are and how I can best represent them in Washington, DC. If elected, being their voice in Congress will be my sole focus and number one priority.”

Kahele has gained the support of former Govs. Neil Abercrombie, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano for his congressional run.

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