LANSING, Mich. (WWJ) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to hold a special election to fill a Michigan House of Representatives seat left vacant by the newly elected mayor of Dearborn.
Abdullah Hammoud, who had previously represented the 15th House District, was elected as Dearborn’s mayor back in the fall and assumed the new role on March. 1.
Whitmer is calling for a special primary election to fill the vacancy, which she suggests be held on March 1. She also proposed a general election to be held on May 3.
Whitmer made the request in a letter she sent to Benson on Monday. In that letter, Whitmer says Jan. 7 will be the deadline for Democratic and Republican Party candidates to file affidavits of identity and nominating petitions or filing fee. The deadline for candidates with no party affiliation would be Feb. 2
Jan. 10 would be the last date for Democratic and Republican candidates to withdraw from the election, while those without a party affiliation would have until Feb. 7.
“In 2022, we are going to keep our foot on the gas to continue getting things done that put Michiganders first, and it’s important that everyone has a seat at the table,” Whitmer said, per a press release. “This special election will ensure that Michiganders have a democratically elected representative working for their best interests in our state’s capital.”
Benson says her department “stands ready to work with local and county election officials to implement the special elections this spring.”
“Filling these partial terms before districts change will assist election officials in an orderly redistricting process and 2022 election cycle,” Benson said.
More information on elections in Michigan can be found at www.Michigan.gov/elections.
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