Political analysts say the move could deter potential challengers in the race.

The state’s largest public worker union endorsed Maui Mayor Richard Bissen this week for a second four-year term.

The announcement from the Hawaii Government Employees Association came well ahead of the candidate filing deadline in June and before anyone else has declared their intent to challenge him in the non-partisan election next fall.

Political observers say the unusually early endorsement by HGEA — which represents 35,000 government employees, including 3,500 in Maui County — is likely an effort to dissuade potential competition from entering the race.

“All of a sudden you realize that you, as a potential candidate, are up against something more formidable than you thought at this stage,” said Neal Mi

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