Former KITV news anchor Brenton Awa has filed paperwork with the state in order to run for the Senate.

Awa wants to represent District 23, which stretches from Waialua, Haleiwa and Pupukea, to Kahuku, Laie, Punaluu, Kaaawa, Kualoa and parts of Kaneohe.

“I just started going into neighborhoods to let people know,” he says. “I wanted to let as many people within the district know face to face before I announce to everyone else.”

Awa is running as a Republican. Should he prevail in the GOP primary on Aug. 13, Awa would likely face Democrat Gil Riviere, who has held the seat since winning it in 2014, in the November general election.

“We’ve done so much significant work in recent years, from saving Turtle Bay from overdevelopment, to fighting the injustice of poorly placed wind turbines and standing up for small communities like Kahuku, to keeping the Kawaihapai Airfield (Dillingham Airfield) open, and resolving countless constituent concerns,” Riviere said.

He added, “I trust the voters will continue to trust in me.”

All 25 Senate seats are up in 2022 due to reapportionment.

Riviere previously served as a Republican in the state House of Representatives.

Awa continues his work as a journalist on Facebook and Instagram.