Honolulu County, Hawaii

Hawaii House District 18

See where Wataru and Gedeon stand on housing and the budget. Names follow official Honolulu County election filings.

About this race

James (Jamie) Wataru (Democratic), Joe Gedeon (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Hawaii House District 18; Joe Gedeon is the sitting member, per the Legislature's official members directory (capitol.hawaii.gov). Every candidate ran in the August 8 primary; the top finisher of each party advanced, per the Office of Elections' final primary results.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Joe Gedeon, is on the ballot.

This list comes from official election records but may be incomplete. It can miss, for example, late or petition candidates and some city, school and district races. Your official sample ballot is the final word.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Hawaii › Honolulu County › Hawaii House District 18

James (Jamie) Wataru

Democratic

Top priorities

From the campaign site

Supporting effective policing and clear consequences to protect residents and businesses
Making public spending transparent and holding projects to their budgets and timelines
Protecting shorelines and open spaces while enforcing existing land-use rules

Biography

James (Jamie) Wataru has worked as a journeyman plumber for the State of Hawaii since 1998, beginning a 35-year career through an apprenticeship with Plumbers Union Local 675, per his campaign site. He serves as a safety representative for public employees and has chaired the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Joe Gedeon

RepublicanIncumbent

Top priorities

From the campaign site

Strengthening emergency preparedness and infrastructure given East Honolulu's limited road access
Lowering the tax burden on working families and the cost of housing
Requiring fiscal cost estimates on legislation before lawmakers vote on it

Biography

Joe Gedeon is co-founder of JPG Hawaii and JPG Media, with decades of marketing and business leadership experience, per his campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotHawaii House District 19

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Hawaii House District 18 in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Hawaii House District 18 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: James (Jamie) Wataru and Joe Gedeon. Candidate information follows official Honolulu County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below. See where they stand on housing and the budget.

When is the Hawaii House District 18 election in Hawaii?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Hawaii are on the Hawaii election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Honolulu County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Honolulu County and state election office filings, last verified October 15, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Hawaii election office, or see the full Honolulu County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Honolulu County ballot

47 tracked races in Honolulu County, Hawaii. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Hawaii House District 20 Hawaii House District 21 Hawaii House District 22 See all 47 Honolulu County races

Candidate profiles

James (Jamie) Wataru, full profile Joe Gedeon, full profile Official Hawaii election office