Representative Elle Cochran Leaves Democratic Party and Joins Hawai‘i Republicans in Historic Capitol Shift Expanding House Republican Caucus to Double Digits

News Release from Hawaii House Republican Caucus, March 16, 2026

Honolulu, Hawai‘i — Members of the Hawai‘i House Republican Caucus will gather for a press conference on Monday, March 16, 2026, following the House Floor session, to announce that Representative Elle Cochran (District 14 – Lahaina, West Maui) has resigned from the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i and joined the Hawai‘i Republican Party. Representative Cochran represents House District 14 (West Maui), which includes communities deeply impacted by the Lahaina fires and ongoing recovery efforts.

The formal announcement will be made during a press conference scheduled for approximately 1:00 p.m. at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Rotunda, pending the conclusion of the House Floor session earlier that day.

This development marks a significant moment at the State Capitol. With the addition of Representative Cochran, the House Republican Caucus will grow to ten members, reaching double digits for the first time in nearly twenty years.

In the last two election cycles, Republican representation in the House of Representatives has steadily increased. Even before the 2026 November general election, the House Republican Caucus is continuing to expand its membership.

“This is an important moment for our caucus and for balance within Hawai‘i’s State Legislature,” said Representative Diamond Garcia (R), Minority Floor Leader. “Representative Cochran brings a strong voice for West Maui and a deep commitment to her constituents. Our caucus continues to grow as more voices across Hawai‘i call for greater balance, fiscal responsibility, and stronger representation at the Capitol.”

Republican members of the Legislature, Hawaii Republican Party Leadership and Representative Cochran will gather together at Monday’s press conference to formally announce the decision and share remarks.

WHERE: Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda

WHEN: Monday, March 16, 2026 1:00pm (Following House Floor Session)

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CLUE:  HSTA Maui Chapter President Ashley Olsen was challenging Cochran in the Dem Primary.  This means Cochran has no chance as a Democrat.

CB: The Sunshine Blog: An Unusual Defection For Hawaiʻi Democrats - Honolulu Civil Beat

SA: Party switch expands House Republican caucus | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

HNN: ‘Stronger advocacy’: Maui lawmaker switches to Republican Party, citing wildfire response | Hawaii News Now -- Cochran was asked about absences and missed votes during the current session. She said she was present in West Maui to support residents following the disaster.  “I was boots on the ground with the actual people,” she said.  According to the Hawaii Revised Statutes, each member of the legislature receives an annual allowance of $7,500. Non-Oahu legislators receive an additional allowance for personal expenses during the Legislative session.  When asked about per diem payments, Cochran said her office contacted accounting and was told payments are automatically deposited into lawmakers’ accounts, regardless of attendance.