Mazie Hirono
A meteoric rise from humble beginnings
Fleeing domestic abuse in Japan, Mazie Hirono’s mother made a new home for her family in Hawaii. Her struggle inspired Mazie to overcome discrimination and launch a distinguished career in public service. Though English is her second language, Mazie graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Hawaii and earned her law degree from Georgetown University. She served two terms as Hawaii’s lieutenant governor before succeeding the late Patsy Mink as congresswoman for the state’s second district.
A strong advocate for education and families
A national advocate for quality early education, Mazie was instrumental in creating Hawaii’s Pre-Plus Program as lieutenant governor and was named Pre-K Now’s “Pre-K Champion” in 2008. Mazie’s leadership in Congress has helped save or create 15,000 jobs in her state and secured $194 million in funding to prevent cuts to education. Mazie has also taken a hard line against the anti-woman, anti-family agenda of the current GOP House majority.
A chance to elect the first Asian-American woman senator
Before a competitive general election, Mazie will likely face former Congressman and Blue Dog Ed Case in a Democratic primary for the Senate seat. Republican former Governor Linda Lingle is officially running for the seat, and the GOP sees this as an opportunity to turn a blue seat red and flip control of the Senate. Lingle gained national fame in 2008 when she announced Sarah Palin for Vice President. She is the Republican establishment's top choice, and has hinted at interest in Paul Ryan's budget -- the one ending Medicare as we know it -- while admitting to never reading the bill. Supporting Mazie means both helping to hold our fragile Democratic majority in the Senate and the incredible opportunity to elect the first Asian-American woman senator.
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