Former Hawai’i Lt. Governor Mazie Hirono completed her political comeback in strong style on Tuesday night with a solid 69% win over state senator and sportscaster Bob Hogue, according to projections by CNN. Hirono will represent the state’s 2nd district in Washington – the seat formerly held for 12 terms by another pioneering Japanese American woman, the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink. The win marks a re-emergence for Hirono, who stepped back from the political scene for a time after losing a tight gubernatorial race against Linda Lingle, who was also reelected last night to her second term by 63% of the state’s voters.
In California, Doris Matsui prevailed even more handily in her bid to once again represent California’s 5th district. Elected in 2005 to take over the seat held by her late husband, the popular Bob Matsui, the Japanese American Congresswoman won re-election last night with 71% of the votes from a four-candidate field.
