Democrat Neil Abercrombie yesterday endorsed Senate President Colleen Hanabusa in her campaign for Hawai'i's 1st Congressional District seat.

Abercrombie held that seat until February, when he resigned to run for governor. Republican Charles Djou last month won a special election to serve the remaining seven months of Abercrombie's term.

Abercrombie said he is endorsing Hanabusa, a Democrat, because of her service and leadership in the community.

He also applauded Ed Case, who came in third in the special election, for withdrawing from the upcoming congressional race, averting another potentially divisive Democratic primary.