Dr. Green Leads Rep. Kai Kahele by 32% in Hypothetical Four-Candidate Primary
February 14, 2022
PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund released the results of new polling that shows Lieutenant Governor Dr. Josh Green with a significant lead among the field of declared or potential Democratic candidates in Hawaii’s gubernatorial race. A physician and experienced policymaker, Dr. Green has fought for Hawaii families for decades and has continued to serve as an emergency room doctor throughout the pandemic.
The poll, which was conducted by Public Policy Polling on behalf of 314 Action Fund and polled Democratic primary election voters across Hawaii, shows Dr. Green as the primary election frontrunner with nearly half of voters (46%) saying they would vote for Dr. Green in a hypothetical four-candidate primary, in which he would lead his closest opponent, Rep. Kai Kahele, by 32%. 65% of poll respondents said they approved of Dr. Green’s overall job performance, with 70% approving of his performance specifically concerning the handling of the pandemic. Additionally, two of respondents’ top four campaign issues are science issues: COVID-19 and climate change.
The other declared or potential Democratic candidates in the HI-GOV primary all face uphill battles with name recognition and favorability. 36% to 46% of voters were unsure of how they would rate the favorability of the other candidates, and only one other candidate received a net positive favorability rating (+24%). The margin of error of this poll is +/- 3.9%, and the memo can be viewed here.
“Dr. Josh Green has earned the support of Hawaii voters because they know they can rely on him to make policy decisions that are rooted in empathy and evidence,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president and founder of 314 Action. “From COVID-19 to climate change, it’s clear that voters want STEM candidates to lead the charge for evidence-based solutions to our most pressing challenges. Dr. Green will be an incredible governor for the people of Hawaii.”
314 Action recently 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 base of six million grassroots members to push for pro-science legislation at the federal and state levels.
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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 in helping over 100 statewide, state legislative, and municipal candidates win their races. In 2022, 314 Action Fund will continue working to elect science leaders and defeat climate deniers in Congress and legislatures across the country.