Maui Rep. Elle Cochran has left the Democratic Party and joined the Republicans, she announced Monday.
Cochran, who was elected in 2022 to represent West Maui, announced her “resignation” from the Democrats at a Monday press conference by the House Republican Caucus.
Cochran said that, during her term, she has concluded that her district requires stronger advocacy, particularly following the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
“I know that Hawai‘i works best when there is balance in government,” Cochran said, adding that she believes the GOP caucus’ leadership has welcomed her with open arms because they value diversity in representatives’ viewpoints.
Addressing her voting constituents, Cochran said she is “still the same Elle Cochran you elected.”
“The only difference is that now I have more knowledge and experience,” Cochran said.
Cochran previously served as a Maui County Council member between 2011 and 2018 and unsuccessfully ran for Maui County Mayor in 2018.
Minority Floor Leader Diamond Garcia — who represents portions of ‘Ewa and Kapolei — said Monday is a historic day for the Legislature, as it marks the first time the state’s Republican contingent has reached double digits since Republican Linda Lingle was state governor more than two decades ago.
Furthermore, Garcia said, Cochran changing sides means the House GOP is now multi-county — all other Republican representatives are O‘ahu-based.
Garcia said Cochran’s move reflects a growing movement from people across the state calling for greater balance and transparency from the state government.
Cochran’s term ends this year, but she has not yet filed for reelection. However, one Democrat is running for her seat: Ashley Olson, president of the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association’s Maui chapter, who declared her candidacy in February. Cochran’s party swap ends the possibility of a primary challenge should she choose to run again.
Two other candidates from the Green Party — Jackie Keefe and Pa‘ele Kiakona — are also running for Cochran’s seat.
During Monday’s press conference, Cochran was questioned about missing more than 85% of all House floor sessions during the 2025 Legislative session. She said she was “advocating for the people,” during 2025 and that her presence on Maui during that time was needed. She added that she didn’t cash four per diem checks paid to her office to cover off-island living expenses during that time.
Aloha State Daily reached out to House Majority Caucus leadership for comment.
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