Several seats in the State Senate are up for grabs this election year as long-time incumbents retire. Three democrats, newcomers Shaina Forsyth and Tamara Goebbert and State Rep. Angus McKelvey are looking to make the general election ballot in the District 6 race, which represents portions of South and West Maui. On Oʻahu, the Democratic primary for the District 11 (Mānoa – Makiki Heights) seat pits newcomer Ian Ross against veteran politician Carol Fukunaga.

The re-drawing of legislative districts due to shifts in population has created challenging election contests across the state this year. On Hawaiʻi Island, incumbents Laura Acasio and Lorraine Inouye face Wil Okabe in the Democratic Primary for District 1, that includes Hilo and part of the Hamakua Coast. Acasio and Okabe will face off in a live format. On Oʻahu there is no incumbent in Senate District 19 which covers parts of Pearl City, Waipahu and ʻEwa. State Representative Henry Aquino faces newcomer Roger Clemente in the Democratic Primary.