The fact that Rep. Neil Abercrombie, Democrat of Hawaii, was interested in running for governor was well known. But he surprised Hawaiians when he announced today that he is resigning from Congress to run for governor full time.

His resignation creates a special election, which might improve chances for the expected GOP candidate, Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou. Hawaii state senate president Colleen Hanabusa and former U.S. congressman Ed Case, both Democrats, have announced for Abercrombie’s seat.