But Mink said in a written statement that he will not run in the election to fill the vacancy in the 108th Congress.

"I have decided to place my name on the ballot so that voters have the option to choose me to complete the few weeks remaining in Patsy's term in the 107th Congress," Mink said.

"I have reluctantly decided to do this so that Patsy's hard work for the people of the 2nd district (rural O'ahu, Neighbor Islands) does not come to a premature and abrupt end on November 30.

"My election would enable her staff and me to fulfill her commitments to constituents in the 107th Congress.

"As I have decided to place my name on the ballot principally to honor my late wife and her staff, I will not be campaigning for office. I will not seek election to the 108th Congress should a vacancy be created by Patsy's posthumous election on November 5," Mink said.

Patsy Mink’s name will remain on the Nov. 5 general election ballot. One special election is scheduled for Nov. 30 to elect a candidate for the remainder of Mink’s current term, which ends Jan. 3. Another special election will be held later if Patsy Mink wins in the general, despite her death, to determine who will serve in the next Congress.

Each special election is expected to cost taxpayers up to $1.7 million.