Hawai‘i’s U.S. Rep. Mark Takai is Fighting Cancer, so He Won’t Seek Re-Election

The Congressman from Hawai‘i decides to focus on his fight against cancer.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, 48, announced today he will not seek re-election after serving out the remainder of his term.  

The Hawai‘i Congressman replaced Colleen Hanabusa in 2014 after she ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate. Takai defeated Republican Charles Djou after emerging as the leader in a crowded Democratic primary race. 

Takai was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year. The Democrat representing the 1st Congressional District says he wants to focus on spending more time with his family and getting better.

“My family and I resolved to fight it head-on and with deep personal faith,” Takai said in a statement. “Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads. I had truly hoped to aggressively fight this cancer while seeking re-election, but I recently learned that my cancer has spread.”

Takai plans to serve the remainder of his term, which ends Jan. 3, 2017. He is a former member of the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives.

“To my supporters, I say a heartfelt ‘Mahalo!’ You have been the foundation upon which my 20-plus years of public service has been built. Thank you for your love, friendship, and continued prayers,” Takai said.

Political colleagues and supporters wished him well in his fight against cancer, including former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.