A Hawaiian history-maker

When Colleen Hanabusa was first elected to the Hawaii state Senate in 1998, EMILY’s List quickly recognized a rising star. A highly skilled attorney and outspoken fighter for working families, Hanabusa was majority leader from 2003-2007 before becoming Senate president – the first Asian American woman in the nation to preside over a state legislative chamber.

A champion for progressive change

A passionate, progressive leader, Hanabusa has fought to protect the rights of workers to organize, secure vital education funding, require insurance companies to cover birth control, and to guarantee access to emergency contraception for sexual assault victims.

A fast-approaching special election

Hanabusa has the legislative know-how to hit the ground running when she reaches Washington -- but she’ll need swift and strong support from EMILY's List members to defeat a Republican incumbent with national support, Charles Djou.

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