Green Has Support of 51% of HI-GOV Democratic Primary Voters in a Three-Candidate Race

November 18, 2021

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Dr. Josh Green in the race to become the next governor of Hawaii. A physician and experienced lawmaker, Green has served both Hawaii families as a local doctor for decades and in both chambers of the Hawaii legislature. Green was elected lieutenant governor of Hawaii in 2018 and has continued to serve as an emergency room doctor throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside its endorsement, 314 Action Fund released new polling (memo available here) showing that Green is the far-and-away frontrunner in the HI-GOV Democratic primary. The poll, which was conducted by Public Policy Polling on behalf of 314 Action Fund and polled Democratic primary voters across Hawaii, shows that among the declared Democratic candidates for governor, 51% of voters would support Green as their top choice — 37% more than the next most popular candidate. If the Democratic primary narrowed to a two-candidate race, 58% of voters say they would vote for Green. 

Additionally, 70% of respondents approve of Green’s job performance, with 71% approving of his performance specifically regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. This high approval rating is in stark contrast to the favorability ratings of the other announced or rumored candidates, neither of whom have a net favorability over -3%. The margin of error of this poll is +/- 4%, and a polling memo can be viewed here.

“From treating COVID-19 patients in the emergency room to fighting for pro-science legislation that benefits the people of Hawaii, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green has proven that he is more than just an dedicated physician and seasoned policymaker — he’s an exemplary community leader who combines the two roles flawlessly,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “Josh is prepared to lead Hawaii during this critical time when real scientific leadership is needed more urgently than ever, and we’re proud to stand with him in his fight.”

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of an organization that supports science, facts, and reason in public office,” said Lieutenant Governor Josh Green. “From the beginning of the COVID pandemic, science and facts have helped us save thousands of lives, reassure the public or issue warnings when necessary, and protect the people we love, and I will keep working every day to keep us safe and informed with accurate information based on science until the pandemic is under control.”

Last month, 314 Action launched a $10 million, cycle-long advocacy campaign focused on engaging voters on critical science issues — including climate change, health care, and the pandemic response — and holding anti-science public figures accountable. Additionally, 314 Action has engaged its six million grassroots member base to push for pro-science legislation at the federal level and across the states.

In 2022, 314 Action Fund will aim to spend $50 million to elect scientists across all levels of government, with initial targets of seven U.S. Senate races, forty U.S. House races, and twenty-one statewide races. In 2020, the organization spent $25 million on behalf of its endorsed candidates and raised a total of $5 million in grassroots donations for scientists running for office.

ABOUT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DR. JOSH GREEN:

Josh Green is a local doctor who has spent his life caring for Hawaii families.

After completing his medical training, Josh started his life’s work as a family physician and ER doctor in rural hospitals and clinics on the Big Island.

From 2004 to 2008, he served in the Hawaii State House of Representatives, and from 2008 to 2018 served in the Hawaii State Senate as Chair of the Health Committee and Chair of the Human Services Committee.

In 2018, Josh was elected Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii.

In 2005, he met his wife Jaime Ushiroda, a local girl from Kaneohe, and they were married in 2006.

Together they are the proud parents of 14 year-old daughter Maia and 11 year-old son Sam.

Today, Josh continues to work as an Emergency Room doctor on weekends, caring for local families as he has for over 20 years.

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314 Action Fund is powered by a grassroots community of over six million people working to elect scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals who will use science and facts to address our most pressing issues like climate change and health care. In 2018 and 2020, we played a pivotal role in flipping the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, electing eleven Democratic scientists to federal office, as well as over 100 to state and local offices. In 2021 and 2022, 314 Action Fund will continue working to elect science leaders and defeat climate deniers in Congress and legislatures across the country.