Former Honolulu Mayor Hannemann to run for House

Former Hololulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann (D) will run for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Hannemann, who is known as a centrist, becomes the most prominent Democrat in the race at this point. The district covers most of the islands outside of Honolulu’s city limits and is strongly Democratic.

Hannemann had been considering either running for Hirono’s seat or jumping into a crowded primary to replace retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii). Hirono is running for the Senate, as is former Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii). Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle may run for the Republicans, giving them a shot in the race.