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Governor Snyder calls special election for Conyers seat

Posted at 3:30 PM, Dec 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-08 15:30:32-05

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has scheduled a special election to fill the congressional seat left open by longtime Rep. John Conyers' resignation amid sexual harassment allegations.

The elections will be held in August and November — concurrently with regular primary and general elections. The governor said Friday that his decision gives potential candidates time to make a decision and avoids additional taxpayer costs of holding the special election earlier.

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The filing deadline is April 24.

Those already planning to run include state Sen. Ian Conyers, a grandson of John Conyers' brother; and state Sen. Coleman Young II, the son of a former Detroit mayor.

The 88-year-old John Conyers first was elected in 1964. He endorsed his son, John Conyers III, during Wednesday's retirement announcement.

Some U.S. House members had urged the senior Conyers to resign as a House Ethics Committee investigates multiple sexual harassment claims.