FILE - In this Oct. 1, 2019, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, listens to a question during a campaign stop in Londonderry, N.H. While Gabbard is campaigning for her party's presidential nomination, she faces a strong primary challenge back home for her congressional seat from Democratic state Sen. Kai Kahele. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Running for president, Gabbard faces challenge in Hawaii

HONOLULU – As Rep. Tulsi Gabbard travels throughout Iowa and New Hampshire trying to kickstart her Democratic presidential bid, she is facing a serious challenge back home in Hawaii for her U.S. House seat.

State Sen. Kai Kahele, a fellow Democrat, is picking up endorsements and criticizing Gabbard for not paying enough attention to constituents in Hawaii while she campaigns for president thousands of miles away.

The 45-year-old Native Hawaiian is a combat veteran and pilot for the Hawaii Air National Guard. He flies passenger jets for Hawaiian Airlines and is a member of the pilots union, a helpful attribute in union-friendly Hawaii.

Gabbard hasn’t indicated whether she will run for re-election.

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Abbey Westbury

Abbey Westbury

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