A longtime lobbying presence at the Hawaii State Capitol is considering running for lieutenant governor of Hawaii.

Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, has registered a committee with the state Campaign Spending Commission.

If she runs, Menor-McNamara would run as a Democrat.

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara during launch of Hawaii on the Hill held at the Woodrow Wilson House, Washington DC. 7 june 2016.
Sherry Menor-McNamara may run for Hawaii lieutenant governor. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2016

“I’ve been having conversations with people from all across the state who have been encouraging me to step up and enter the race,” she said Tuesday. “I’ll be making a formal announcement about my decision in the near future.”

Jill Tokuda, a Democrat and former state senator, has also filed organization paperwork in a likely run for LG. Former City Councilmen Ikaika Anderson and Ron Menor have also filed LG paperwork.

Several other familiar political names are also reported to be thinking of running.

The current lieutenant governor, Josh Green — a Democrat — is widely expected to run for governor next year. Former First Lady Vicky Cayetano is officially seeking the seat, too, while former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, another Democrat, is seriously considering a run.

Gov. David Ige is completing his second and final term in office.

Hawaii’s primary election is Aug. 13, 2022.

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