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Different states have different rules regarding filling a Congressional vacancy. In many cases, the spouse of a deceased officeholder is appointed to fill their seat. But this is not always the case.
There are also typically protocols put into place if a Congressional candidate drops out of the race. Such as if, sadly, one of them passes away in the midst of the campaign. Something that has just happened in Minnesota.
Congressional candidate Weeks died suddenly
Adam Charles Weeks was running for the United States House of Representatives from Minnesota's 2nd District.
Weeks was an organic vegetable farmer. He unexpectedly died on September 21. ABC indicates that the cause of death remains unknown.
The Republican and Democratic candidates in the race have both expressed their sympathies. Even so, the business of the election moves forward. According to Secretary of State Steve Simon, the law is clear in Minnesota. If a nominee from a major party dies within 79 days of election day, it's essentially canceled. Instead, a special election is held on the second Tuesday of the following February.
Weeks was the nominee of the Legal Marijuana Now Party. As the name may suggest, the party's primary platform is the legalization of marijuana and hemp. Adam Charles Weeks had also made criminal justice reform a central campaign issue of his.
Many people might understandably not consider the Legal Marijuana Now Party to be a major political party. And thus Weeks' passing, while tragic, wouldn't delay the House race for Minnesota's 2nd District. However, according to the Star Tribune, the state does consider the party to be a major one.
The ballots in the 2nd District won't be changed before November 3.
However, votes cast in the race for the 2nd District House seat will basically be ignored. But votes cast in other races will still be counted. Including the elections for the U.S. Presidency and the U.S. Senate.
The district is in the Twin Cities region
Minnesota's 2nd District is currently located in the area of the Twin Cities.
Although in the past, the area was within the 1st District. The 2nd District was located in Minnesota's southwestern area.
Previous representatives from the district's history include Winfield Scott Hammond. Hammond went on to become Minnesota's governor for a brief time. He died while in office.
The current incumbent is Democrat Angie Craig. Craig is a former reporter with the Memphis, Tennessee newspaper The Commercial Appeal. Her Republican challenger is Tyler Kistner, a former U.S. Marine. Craig's predecessor, Republican Jason Lewis, is currently running for the U.S. Senate.
