State Sen. Will Espero yesterday said he will decide by the end of the month whether to enter a special election to fill out the remainder of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's term in Congress.

Espero, D-20th ('Ewa Beach, Waipahu), was elected to the Senate in 2002. He previously served in the state House.

Espero, chairman of the Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee, has been active on issues related to prisons, fireworks, rail transit and homeland security.

"My candidacy gives voters another credible choice and selection," he said in a written statement. "I believe I have the energy, enthusiasm, ability and drive to serve our state and country in an effective manner."

Espero would join former congressman Ed Case, state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, and Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou in the special election.

Espero said he would enter the September primary to replace Abercrombie in Congress only if he were to win the special election.