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Democrat David Ige won Hawaiis gubernatorial election Tuesday night, insuring the top statewide office remained in his partys hands despite a contentious primary earlier this year that saw him beating the incumbent Democrat in a historic upset.

Early results showed Mr. Ige with 53.1% of the vote to Republican Duke Aionas 34.1% and Independent Mufi Hannemanns 11.3%, the Associated Press reported.

Mr. Ige, 57, an engineer, longtime legislator and chair of the state senates committee on ways and means, faced a competitive challenge from Mr. Aiona, 59, a moderate Republican, and the former lieutenant governor.

Mr. Ige and Mr. Aiona participated in 15 debates together before the end of the election. Campaign issues have included Hawaiis homeless population, the states troubled health exchange, the environment and economic growth.

The Democrat led the race despite a fundraising disadvantage. A poll conducted in October for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii News Now by Ward Research showed the soft-spoken Mr. Ige scoring well among voters over 50, union members and Japanese Americans, important constituencies in the Aloha state, according to an article by the Star-Advertiser.

Mr. Iges victory against Mr. Aiona came after he defeated the incumbent governor, Neil Abercrombie, despite a notable fundraising disadvantage, little name recognition and a last-minute push by President Barack Obama on behalf of the governor, who recorded a radio advertisement for Mr. Abercrombie. It was the first time since Hawaiian statehood in 1959 that an incumbent governor had lost a primary challenge.

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Democrat David Ige Wins Gubernatorial Election in Hawaii