State Sen. Will Espero said Friday that he would not run in the special election to fill out the remainder of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's term in Congress.

Espero, D-20th (Ewa Beach, Waipahu), had said last month that he was considering the race in urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District.

Espero said he would face a handicap in preparation and fundraising given the fact that the special election could be held as early as May and the other contenders have been planning to run for Congress for months.

Espero also said there was some concern locally and nationally that having three Democrats in the race could split the vote and benefit the only Republican.

Former congressman Ed Case and state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, both
Democrats, are running. Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou is the only Republican.