Hawaiian Voters Favor Biden but Express Growing Discontent with Both Parties
The Big Picture
As the 2024 election approaches, Hawaii voters reflect a widespread national trend of political dissatisfaction. While President Joe Biden maintains a comfortable lead over Donald Trump, Independent Center polling finds that a significant portion of voters feel neither major party has selected its best candidate.
Concerns about jobs and the economy, immigration, and government leadership dominate voter priorities, indicating that economic stability and trust in government will be key factors shaping electoral decisions in the state.
Zooming In
Candidate Approval in Hawaii
We asked registered voters: “How do you view the current political climate in America?”
- 67% of voters responded negatively, signaling broad discontent.
When asked if they believed their party had chosen the best candidate:
- 39% of voters said the Democrats have not selected their best candidate.
- 45% of voters said the same about the Republicans.
These numbers indicate that Hawaiians are looking for stronger representation from both parties and that many voters feel their concerns are being ignored.
Key Issues for Hawaii Voters
To determine top voter priorities, we asked: “What is the most pressing issue in America today?”
- 21% of voters ranked jobs and the economy as their top issue.
- 14% of voters ranked immigration as the most pressing concern.
- 14% of voters listed government leadership as their primary concern.
- Other notable concerns included energy and the environment (6%), abortion (5%), police reform (5%), and national security (4%).
These results suggest that economic concerns remain the dominant issue for Hawaii voters, with immigration and trust in government also playing significant roles.
Biden Holds a Commanding Lead in Hawaii
When asked: “If this year’s presidential election were between Republican Donald Trump, Democrat Joe Biden, and an Independent/third-party candidate, how would you vote?”
- 57% of voters said they would vote for Biden.
- 38% of voters said they would vote for Trump.
Despite Biden’s strong lead, voter uncertainty remains:
- 14% of Hawaii voters said they expect to change their minds.
- 16% of voters remain unsure about their final choice.
While Biden remains the clear favorite in Hawaii, the significant number of undecided voters suggests an underlying frustration with the current political landscape.
Independent Lens
Hawaii voters, like much of the nation, are disillusioned with the two-party system. Despite Biden’s substantial lead, many voters are frustrated with both parties and open to change.
Key takeaways from the data:
- Economic and immigration policies will be pivotal in shaping voter decisions.
- Biden leads, but voter uncertainty remains—especially among independents.
- A growing number of voters feel disconnected from both major parties, highlighting an opportunity for alternative candidates.
While Hawaii’s electorate continues to lean Democratic, voter dissatisfaction is a factor that both parties must take seriously. Biden’s lead is strong, but as voter concerns around economic and immigration policies intensify, even traditionally safe Democratic states like Hawaii are not immune to shifts in sentiment.
To stay informed and explore the full survey data, join the Independent Center for exclusive insights into voter sentiment and key election trends.
