A coalition of Hawaii women, including first lady Nancie Caraway, announced Wednesday their support for Tulsi Gabbard in the race for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District.

"The person who holds the seat of our beloved Patsy Mink in Congress needs to be of the highest integrity and intelligence," Caraway said at a news conference on the state Capitol lawn to announce the launch of Women for Tulsi.

"I have seen Tulsi in action. I’ve seen her with people. She works beautifully with people. She listens to them. She thinks on her feet and she’s a genuinely reciprocal human being," Caraway said.

Others declaring their support for Gabbard included City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi and prominent diversity advocate Amy Agbayani.

"I am incredibly humbled to have the support of these strong women leaders," Gabbard said. "Their confidence in my ability to fight for the things that they have dedicated their lives to — to fight for women, to fight for all people — is a great responsibility and a great honor.

"It’s something that I take very seriously and look forward to being able to do as a member of Congress."

Gabbard, who is in her first term on the City Council, is in the Democratic primary against former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, former Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chief Advocate Esther Kiaaina, Hilo attorney Bob Marx and Honolulu attorney Rafael del Castillo.

Matthew DiGeronimo, a retired Navy submariner and small-business consultant, is running for the Republicans.

The 2nd Congressional District represents rural Oahu and the neighbor islands.