State Sen. Will Espero yesterday said he will not run in the special election to fill 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. Abercrombie said he will resign to run for Hawai'i governor.

Espero said he would face a handicap in preparation and fundraising because the special election could be held as early as May and 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.