Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday signed legislation to set the official date for the general elections to replace former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in the 2nd Congressional District.
The special general election to fill the vacated seat will be held April 9, 2013, according to Quinn’s press office.
Initially the general election date was tentatively set for March 19 to comply with current state law, but Quinn wanted to change the date to coincide with the local general elections.
On Monday, Quinn announced he would work with the General Assembly to move the date. On the same day, Quinn released the date for the special primary election, which will be held on Feb. 26, 2013.
The governor had five days following Jackson's resignation to schedule the election. According to state law, the seat must be filled in 115 days.
So far at least a dozen people have shown interest in the seat, from Jackson's former opponents Debbie Halvorson and Marcus Lewis to three Chicago aldermen including Jackson's wife, Ald. Sandi Jackson.
The list is expected to grow on Sunday with Rooftop Pastor Corey Brooks and Robin Kelly expected to announce their campaigns.
