Hawaii state representative Jo Jordan made history when she became the first out elected official to vote against marriage equality. She claimed she was voting as her constituents wanted instead of her own personal feelings.
Apparently, Jordan’s constituents didn’t want her to vote against her own community’s civil rights. The Democrat was defeated in Sunday’s primary election by a man who wasn’t even supposed to be on the ballot.
Cedric Asuega Gates, who ran against Jordan two years ago as a Green Party candidate, beat the incumbent for a chance to face off with Republican Marc Paaluhui in November. Local Republicans have said the unexpected upset gives them a chance to win the seat and will refocus resources to the race.
“The Republican candidates did draw a fair number of votes in that area, and that district tends to be lower in turnout, even in the general election, so that is going to be a major focus for us,” Republican Party chair Fritz Rohlfing told KHON2 News.
The Hawaii Democratic Party said last month that Gates should not have been allowed on the ballot after running as a Green Party candidate in the last election. They say they didn’t catch the error in time to challenge his candidacy.
Gates told the Honolulu Star Advertiser that he confirmed his membership in the Democratic Party on the day he filed paperwork to run for office. He will remain on the ballot as a Democrat.
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