Gabbard, 39, has represented Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District since 2013 and ran to top the Democratic ticket for the 2020 presidential race. During her campaign — which was launched January 2019 — Gabbard noted she was “fully committed to my offer to serve” the nation’s capital and terminated her candidacy for reelection to Congress.
“I know Vice President Biden and his wife and am grateful to have called his son Beau, who also served in the National Guard, a friend,” Gabbard said in a statement. “Although I may not agree with the Vice President on every issue, I know that he has a good heart and is motivated by his love for our country and the American people.”
Gabbard, a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, particularly works on issues relating to veteran and service member protection, as well as financial and banking policies that help Americans. Most recently, she’s helped with legislation on both the national and state level to tame the spread of the coronavirus.
Although Gabbard won’t be reelected, she’s still an active congresswoman—especially since coronavirus cases have spiked in Hawaii in the last month — and called on Gov. David Ige (D) to oust the state’s Department of Health director and chief epidemiologist due to lack of transparency. Just last week, headlines hit local news after the state Senate COVID-19 committee conducted a surprise inspection at the department, only to discover a disorganized workspace and miscounted contact tracers.
Since the start of the pandemic, Gabbard has pressed Hawaii to form an “effective contact tracing team or strategy,” as well as encourage locals to wear a mask.
Rachel Bucchino is a reporter at the National Interest. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report and The Hill.