Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has set the dates for special elections to fill the congressional seat vacated when Rep. Trent Franks resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Ducey on Monday set the primary election for Feb. 27 and the general election will be on April 24.
The district covering much of the northwest Phoenix suburbs is heavily Republican and several potential GOP candidates have already said they may run. Former Corporation Commissioner Bob Stump formally announced his candidacy within an hour of Ducey's announcement.
Candidates have until Jan. 10 to file nominating papers.
Franks initially said he would leave office on Jan. 31 but resigned Friday under pressure from House Speaker Paul Ryan.
A former Franks aide had told The Associated Press the congressman pressured her to carry his child and once offered her $5 million to be a surrogate mother.
