Former UFC champion BJ Penn’s bid for a seat on the Hawaii County Council has ended in defeat. Penn, who ran for the District 1 seat, finished third in the race with 16.3% of the vote.
The election results show that Heather L. Kimball won the seat with 49.1% of the vote, followed by Brittany Anderson with 26.7%. Penn received 844 votes out of the total 5,173 votes cast.
This loss marks Penn’s second unsuccessful foray into Hawaii politics in recent years. In 2022, he ran for governor in the Republican primary but did not win the nomination.
Penn, 45, had campaigned on a platform focused on addressing issues like Hawaii’s housing crisis, improving education, and supporting local businesses. The Hilo native and former MMA star had hoped to translate his name recognition and passion for his home state into political success.
Despite his celebrity status and previous athletic achievements, Penn faced challenges in convincing voters of his qualifications for public office. His campaign was also marked by some controversy, including public disputes with another candidate on social media.
The election results suggest that voters in District 1 ultimately preferred candidates with more traditional political backgrounds. Winner Heather Kimball, for instance, has previously served on the Hawaii County Council.
While Penn’s political aspirations have been dealt another setback, his willingness to engage in public service demonstrates a desire to contribute to his community beyond his sports career. It remains to be seen whether he will pursue future political opportunities or return his focus to his business interests and family life.
