Latest news with #HawaiiRepublicanParty
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Joe Gedeon to replace Republican Gene Ward in Hawaii House
Democratic Gov. Josh Green has named Republican Joe Gedeon to succeed the late Republican Rep. Gene Ward to represent Hawaii Kai-Kalama Valley. Green picked Gedeon out of a list of three potential replacements sent to him by a panel of Hawaii Republican Party members in Ward's district. Gedeon will become the ninth Republican in the 51-member state House. He will serve until Ward's seat comes up for reelection in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. In an announcement from Green's office about Gedeon's appointment, Gedeon said, 'Gene was a family friend, a mentor and a lifelong example of integrity and public service. His legacy in Hawai 'i Kai is profound and I hope to carry forward the values he championed : community, accountability and unwavering commitment to the people he served.' Gedeon was born and raised in Hawaii Kai, was an Eagle Scout, graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School, Kapiolani Community College and ITT Technical Institute in San Diego. He co-founded the marketing and advertising companies JPG Hawaii and JPG Media. He was the youngest president of the Waikiki Rotary Club from 2016 to 2017 and serves on the board of directors of the American Advertising Federation of Hawaii and the Central YMCA. In a statement, Green said 'I appreciate the willingness of Joe Gedeon and the other nominees to step up and work hard to fill the huge void left by such a lifelong and passionate public servant as Gene Ward. We believe one human being cannot truly replace another, but we hope as Gene's successor, Joe will bring the same caring dedication that made his predecessor so valuable to his community.' Ward had served in the House for 27 years. This year, health issues kept Ward away from the Capitol for much of the legislative session. On March 21, Ward announced his resignation effective March 31. He died April 4 at the age of 82. As East Honolulu Republicans narrowed the search for his replacement, the Republican Party said in a statement that the process to fill a seat in Hawaii's Legislature vacated by a Republican had not occurred in over 60 years. The Hawaii Republican Party welcomed the appointment. 'We are confident Joe will bring energy, integrity, and innovative thinking to the State Legislature, ' newly elected Hawaii Republican Party State Chair Art Hannemann said in a statement. 'He represents a new generation of Republican leadership—grounded in local values, equipped with real-world experience, and ready to fight for Hawaii's future.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gedeon to replace Republican Gene Ward
Democratic Gov. Josh Green has named Republican Joe Gedeon to succeed the late Republican Rep. Gene Ward to represent Hawaii Kai-Kalama Valley. Green picked Gedeon out of a list of three potential replacements sent to him by a panel of Hawaii Republican Party members in Ward's district. Gedeon will become the ninth Republican in the 51-member state House. He will serve until Ward's seat comes up for reelection in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. In an announcement from Green's office about Gedeon's appointment, Gedeon said, 'Gene was a family friend, a mentor and a lifelong example of integrity and public service. His legacy in Hawai 'i Kai is profound and I hope to carry forward the values he championed : community, accountability and unwavering commitment to the people he served.' Gedeon was born and raised in Hawaii Kai, was an Eagle Scout, graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School, Kapiolani Community College and ITT Technical Institute in San Diego. He co-founded the marketing and advertising companies JPG Hawaii and JPG Media. He was the youngest president of the Waikiki Rotary Club from 2016 to 2017 and serves on the board of directors of the American Advertising Federation of Hawaii and the Central YMCA. In a statement, Green said 'I appreciate the willingness of Joe Gedeon and the other nominees to step up and work hard to fill the huge void left by such a lifelong and passionate public servant as Gene Ward. We believe one human being cannot truly replace another, but we hope as Gene's successor, Joe will bring the same caring dedication that made his predecessor so valuable to his community.' Ward had served in the House for 27 years. This year, health issues kept Ward away from the Capitol for much of the legislative session. On March 21, Ward announced his resignation effective March 31. He died April 4 at the age of 82. As East Honolulu Republicans narrowed the search for his replacement, the Republican Party said in a statement that the process to fill a seat in Hawaii's Legislature vacated by a Republican had not occurred in over 60 years.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Joseph Gedeon announced as Gene Ward's successor for House District 18
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new face has been appointed to fill the vacant seat for House District 18. On Wednesday, May 28, the Hawaii House Republican Caucus announced that Joseph Gedeon would be the successor to the late Rep. Gene Ward, who served the Hawaii Kai community for nearly three decades. Former Rep. Gene Ward passes away at 82 Gedeon fills the seat as a born-and-raised Hawaii Kai resident himself and looks to continuously give back to his community through his involvement in many advocacy organizations. He brings in 20 years of business leadership experience, and currently works in marketing and advertising. According to the Hawaii Republican Party, Gedeon has 'worked tirelessly to uplift conservative voices and support over 80 political campaigns across the islands through his work.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Multiple members of the Hawaii Republican Party expressed their excitement and appreciation for Gedeon to take the vacant seat. We are confident Joe will bring energy, integrity, and innovative thinking to the State Legislature. He represents a new generation of Republican leadership—grounded in local values, equipped with real-world experience, and ready to fight for Hawaii's future. Art Hannemann, Hawaii Republican Party State Chair Check out more news from around Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, M.D., selected Gedeon out of three proposed candidates. He is set to serve in the House until the term expires on Nov. 3, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Longtime GOP lawmaker Gene Ward dead at 82, leaving legacy of principle and political resilience
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii has lost one of its longest serving and most influential Republican voices. Representative Gene Ward died early on the morning of April 4, according to his family. For 27 years, Ward was the voice of Hawaii Kai at the State Capitol. Ward was fondly remembered today on the House floor for his commitment to public service and his legacy as an outspoken advocate for his district. Excessive speeding bill gives mandatory jail time, possible forfeiture of vehicle for repeat offenders As a Republican, Ward carved out his own style of politics, championing his constituents and was never afraid to speak up. 'He embodied what it means to be the opposition. He would never back down from a fight. He would stand firm on his principles, even if he was the only one standing,' said Minority Floor Leader Diamond Garcia. Ward's life was one of service: in the Vietnam war and in the Peace Corps, a stint with USAID under the Bush Administration and over two decades in the state governor ordered the flag to be lowered in his honor, calling him a 'fighter in every sense' and a 'dedicated leader.' 'Fearless' is also a word many are using to describe Ward. 'I would say, fearless when it came to wanting to get his point across as to how he represented his community. So I'm just deeply saddened,' said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. His passing leaves the Hawaii Republican Party working to compile a list of nominees to replace him. While his seat will be filled, his shoes may not be. 'I was at an event when I got the news and the amount of text messages and calls, just showed how many lives that he touched. So again, the legislature won't be the same without Representative Gene Ward,' said House Minority Leader Rep. Lauren Matsumoto. Hawaii Republican Party members say a state funeral will likely be held at the Capitol. Gene Ward was 82. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
