Governor Orders Special Election For District 7 Seat In Congress

MARYLAND — Candidates may begin filing Wednesday to succeed U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings. The congressman died Oct. 17, in the midst of his term as representative for District 7, which includes parts of Baltimore and Howard counties as well as Baltimore City. His term continues until 2021.

"It is imperative for the 7th Congressional District to have a strong voice in the House of Representatives, and today we are ensuring the process to fill this historic Maryland seat moves forward in a fair and timely manner," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Monday.

By law, the primary election must be held at least 65 days after the governor issues a proclamation declaring it, with a general election at least 65 days after the primary.

Cummings was re-elected most recently during the 2018 midterms.

SEE ALSO: Who Could Succeed Elijah Cummings in Maryland's 7th District?

The special primary election will be Feb. 4, 2020.

The special general election will be April 28, which is the same day as the Maryland primary, which Hogan said would avoid the cost and confusion of multiple election days in the state.

Here are the important dates for the special election:

• Oct. 30 — Candidates may begin filing.
• Nov. 20 — Deadline for nomination papers.
• Nov. 22 — Deadline for candidate withdrawal.
• Feb. 4, 2020 — Special primary election will occur; this is 76 days from the filing deadline.
• April 28, 2020 — Special general election will occur, the same date as the state’s spring primary; this is 84 days after the special primary election.

To give candidates more time to campaign and to ensure those in the military have ample opportunity to receive and submit their ballots from the Maryland Board of Elections, Hogan said he extended the periods for filing and voting beyond the minimum 65 days.

SEE ALSO:

• Rep. Elijah Cummings Remembered: Watch The Service Again
• Presidents, Family And Friends Praise Cummings' Faith, Friendship
• Live Stream: Rep. Elijah Cummings Lies In State In Capitol
• Politicians, Public Pay Respects To Rep. Elijah Cummings: Photos
• 2 Former Presidents To Speak At Funeral For Congressman Elijah Cummings
• Elijah Cummings Service: Baltimore Says Goodbye At Morgan State
• U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings' Funeral Services Set
• 'Cummings Reflected What It Truly Meant To Be A Baltimorean'
• Who Could Succeed Elijah Cummings in Maryland's 7th District?
• U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings Of Maryland: 5 Things To Know
• 'Favorite Son Of Maryland', 'Mighty Fighter': Cummings Mourned
• Congressman Elijah Cummings, Powerful Democrat, Dies At 68

Special Election Proclamation

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