HONOLULU -- State Sen. Will Espero announced that he will not be running in the special election to fill the remainder of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's term in Congress.

Last month, Espero said he was considering the race in Honolulu's 1st Congressional District.

But he said that he faces a handicap in preparation and fundraising given that the special election ballots may be mailed out as early as mid- April.

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.