State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa said today that she would not drop out of the special election for Congress.

"I'm in this race until the end, and I'm in this race to win," Hanabusa said at a news conference at her campaign headquarters off Ward Avenue.

National Democrats are concerned that Hanabusa and former congressman Ed Case will split the Democratic vote and hand Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou, a Republican, the victory in President Obama's hometown district.

Recent polls put Djou in the lead, followed by Case and then Hanabusa.

National Democrats have considered backing Case over Hanabusa and, behind the scenes, have urged Hanabusa's supporters to persuade her to step aside.

Ballots were mailed in late April. The Office of Elections said "lots" of ballots have already been sent in but would not give a specific number. Voting ends on May 22, and the results will be announced that evening.