IHARA, Les, Jr.
Party: Democratic · Backing: Establishment
Platform: Long-serving Democratic State Senator for District 10 (Kaimukī / Aina Haina / East Honolulu); campaign finance reform and progressive policy advocate.
- Hawaiʻi State Senator for District 10 (Kaimukī, Aina Haina, and surrounding East Honolulu communities); has served in the Hawaiʻi State Senate since 2002, making him one of the longest-serving members.
- Longtime champion of campaign finance reform, clean elections, and public-financing measures — has introduced bills repeatedly to reduce the influence of large-donor money in state politics.
- Serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and the Judiciary Committee; record reflects progressive priorities including environmental protection, labor rights, and consumer advocacy.
- Seeking re-election in 2026; no campaign website was listed in the Hawaiʻi Office of Elections filing database as of June 2026.
Editorial summary: Les Ihara Jr. is one of the Hawaiʻi Senate's longest-serving members and its foremost advocate for campaign finance reform and clean elections. His two-decade legislative record, documented at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature member page and Ballotpedia, reflects a consistent focus on reducing money's influence in politics alongside a broader progressive policy agenda.
Key issues: Campaign finance reform, Clean elections, Progressive policy, Consumer protection
Profile last reviewed: 2026-06-03