Kathmandu— US Representative Ed Case of Hawaii won the Democratic primary election held late Saturday, defeating progressive challenger and state Senator Jarrett Keohokalole. Case garnered 57 percent of the vote to Keohokalole’s 34 percent and will now face Republican nominee Adriel Lam in November's general election. The victory for the seventy-three-year-old centrist highlights a continuing trend within the Democratic party, where established politicians are facing opposition from younger, more progressive candidates. The outcome contrasts with recent primary results in other states that have favored left-wing candidates.

A Battle Between Generations

The contest between Case and Keohokalole, 43, represents a broader struggle within the Democratic party to balance experience with fresh perspectives. Case previously served in the House of Representatives from 2002 to 2007 before being re-elected in 2019. This latest win underscores the challenges faced by progressive newcomers attempting to unseat veteran politicians.

Key Issues in the Race

Progressive Democrats criticized Case for his support of Republican President Donald Trump’s Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, alleging it would erode voting rights. Keohokalole also argued that Case was increasingly out of touch with constituents due to corporate campaign contributions. Case countered by emphasizing his seniority on a crucial spending committee and warning that Hawaii could lose federal funding if he were not re-elected.

Other Primary Results

In Hawaii’s other congressional district, US Representative Jill Tokuda easily won her Democratic primary with 84 percent of the vote. Governor Josh Green, who assumed office in 2022, also secured the Democratic nomination after defeating several challengers.

With the primaries concluded, Case, Tokuda, and Green are poised to compete in November’s general election for their respective seats.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.