COLUMBUS (AP) — It will be up to Republican Gov. John Kasich to call a special election to fill the Ohio congressional seat being vacated by House Speaker John Boehner.
Boehner announced Friday he’ll resign Oct. 30 after a quarter-century in Congress.
Ohio’s elections chief, Secretary of State Jon Husted, says both primary and general election contests are required. The winner of the special election would serve the remainder of Boehner’s unexpired term. A full-time replacement would be elected at the next general election.
Boehner’s district spans six counties in southwest Ohio. Republican state Sens. Chris Widener, Bill Beagle and Bill Coley live there, as do several state representatives.
Non-residents also could run. They may include Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina) or former Congressman Steve Austria, whose district was essentially eliminated during Ohio’s last congressional redistricting.