STATE SENATE MINORITY CAUCUS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP AHEAD OF 2027 SESSION
News Release from Senate Republican Caucus, Nov 10, 2026
HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI — State Senator Samantha M. DeCorte (District 22) released the following statement as she prepares to serve as Hawaiʻi State Senate Minority Leader for the upcoming 2027 Legislative Session.
“This transition doesn't change the work we’re already doing" said Senator DeCorte. "I'm stepping into the Minority Leader role with the same commitment we started with: advocate for working families, support local businesses, and provide clear, steady representation at the Capitol."
“We respect Senator Awa’s decision to serve as an Independent. His leadership creates a much-needed space for the middle, giving a voice to everyday residents who feel frustrated with political extremes. In the same way our caucus collaborates effectively with Senate Democrats on shared priorities, leadership remains committed to working well alongside Senator Awa. We wish him the best.”
DeCorte, who represents Ko ‘Olina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, and Mākua, previously served as State Senate Minority Floor Leader and will now lead the minority caucus alongside newly elected State Senator Bob McDermott (District 20-‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages)
As Senate Minority Leader, DeCorte remains focused on strengthening the connection between community and government, ensuring residents have a voice in decisions affecting their families and neighborhoods.
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State Sen. Brenton Awa resigns from Hawaii Republican Party
HNN: … State Sen. Brenton Awa is no longer a member of the Hawaii Republican Party.
He submitted his resignation in an email to the party chair on Friday, Nov. 6….
With Awa’s departure, Republicans will have two members in the 25-seat chamber: Samantha DeCorte and Bob McDermott.
Sen. DeCorte was recently selected as the new minority leader of the State Senate….
Awa did not confirm or deny a future run for governor or mayor.
He has served as Senate minority leader since 2022….
Read … State Sen. Brenton Awa resigns from Hawaii Republican Party | Hawaii News Now
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Sen Brenton Awa to Quit Republican Party, run for Mayor
HNN: … Addressing family, friends, and supporters on election night, Awa acknowledged the wide margin following early counts that placed him far behind the incumbent.
“I’m no fool. We got crushed,” Awa said. “The struggle between Democrat and Republican was just too much to overcome.”
Awa attributed the outcome to deep partisan divisions across the state, recounting an encounter earlier in the day with a resident who praised his record but chose to vote along national party lines.
“When you look at these numbers, the difficult part is that Hawaiʻi is split between parties,” Awa said. “We can’t get over the hump of people sticking with their parties, whether they’re Ds or whether they’re Rs.”
Despite the loss, Awa framed the result as an opportunity to remain close to his family and continue serving his community, noting that he has two years remaining on his current state Senate term.
Awa also signaled a potential departure from party politics, teasing a run for local executive office.
“There’s going to be some big news starting with I’m probably going to leave the Republican Party and become independent, and we’re probably going to be looking at mayor,” Awa said….
(CLUE: An 'Awa mayorial candidacy will vacuum votes away from Andrea Tupola in 2028, thus helping the next Rail/PRP candidate against her.)
Read … U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda defeats Brenton Awa in 2nd District re-election | Hawaii News Now