Former Hawaii Governor Calls On Tulsi Gabbard To Resign From Congress

Neil Abercrombie, former Democratic Governor of Hawaii, has called on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to give up her seat in the state’s 2nd congressional district as she continues her long-shot 2020 presidential bid. Abercrombie, who served as Hawaii’s chief executive from 2010-2014, suggested Gabbard's resignation so they can hold a special election to replace her. He called her personally before going public with his recommendations at a press conference.

“The bottom line for me is simple,” Abercrombie stated. “I believe that the only really honorable thing to do and sensible thing to do and politically forthright thing to do is to resign the seat, let us have a special election and then see whoever wins that seat whether they can do a good enough job to win a primary in August and a general election next November.”

Gabbard is not seeking reelection to her congress and has been largely absent from the legislative process as she continues her quest to occupy the Oval Office. She has missed 85 percent of votes since October, despite voting “present” on President Donald Trump’s impeachment last week. Her “present” vote is the latest example of her polarizing nature among democrats, which also includes controversial comments about the LGBTQ community and an overly friendly stance on Russia. She also declined to vote on the budget for next year.

Abercrombie insists that he has a deep respect for Gabbard and that his call for her resignation comes from a place of experience over politics. “Trying to do my job in Washington and run for office, another office, in Hawaii was just too difficult. I couldn’t do it,” he recalled. “I had hoped maybe I could do it, and it became obvious that I couldn’t. So I resigned my seat.”

Gabbard’s Communication Director, T. Ilihia Gionson, issued the following statement:

"Hawaiʻi is Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's home and her heart. Just this session, she has secured major legislative wins for Hawaiʻi including better reporting on Red Hill aquifer protection, consultation between the military and Native Hawaiians, helping our veterans affected by toxic burn pits, opportunities for defense contracting for Native Hawaiian companies, and more. Her pursuit of the highest office in the land has not compromised her and her team's commitment to serving the people of Hawaiʻi in her fourth term in Congress."