Special elections to the 111th United States Congress

Senate

There were five special elections to the United States Senate; however, all but one will take place on the same date as the 2010 general election.

Massachusetts

Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy died August 25, 2009. A special election was held to choose someone to serve the remainder of the term through January 2013. On September 24, 2009, Paul G. Kirk, former Democratic National Committee chairman and aide to Ted Kennedy, was appointed to occupy Kennedy's Senate seat on an interim basis until the special election process is completed. Kirk was sworn in on September 25, 2009, to serve as a "caretaker" until the January 2010 special election, in which he was a candidate.

A party primary was held December 8, 2009. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley beat three other Democrats for her party's nomination. She lost the January 19, 2010 general election to Republican Scott Brown.

House of Representatives

There were five special elections in 2009 to fill vacant seats in the United States House of Representatives, and there will be at least four in 2010. As of February 9, 2010, one seat has switched parties, from Republican to Democratic, as the result of a special election.

California's 10th congressional district

On June 26, 2009, Democrat Ellen Tauscher resigned to become Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. Democrat John Garamendi held the seat for the Democrats on November 3, 2009, defeating Republican David Harmer.

California's 32nd congressional district

On February 24, 2009, Democrat Hilda Solis resigned to become United States Secretary of Labor. Judy Chu, also a Democrat, won the election, defeating Republican Betty Chu by a wide margin.

Florida's 19th congressional district

On January 3, 2010, Democrat Robert Wexler resigned to become president of the Center for Middle East Peace & Economic Cooperation. Ted Deutch, a Democrat, defeated Republican Ed Lynch in the April 13, 2010 special election.

Georgia's 9th congressional district

Republican Nathan Deal resigned March 31, 2010 to concentrate on the 2010 election for Governor of Georgia. Initially, he stated he would resign effective March 8, 2010, but he then announced he would wait until after a vote was held on health care reform legislation. Deal resigned minutes after the vote, and a special election was held to replace him on May 11, 2010, but since no candidate won a majority, a runoff was held on June 8.

Hawaii's 1st congressional district

On February 28, 2010, Democrat Neil Abercrombie resigned to concentrate on the 2010 election for Governor of Hawaii. The special election was held May 22, 2010; the winner was Charles Djou.

Illinois's 5th congressional district

On January 2, 2009, Democrat Rahm Emanuel resigned one day before the end of the previous Congress after being named White House Chief of Staff. Democrat Michael Quigley won the election April 7, 2009 election to replace him, handily defeating Republican Rosanna Pulido with better than a two-to-one share of the vote.

New York's 20th congressional district

On January 26, 2009, Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand resigned when appointed to fill Hillary Clinton's U.S. Senate seat. Scott Murphy, a fellow Democrat, won the election held March 31, 2009, defeating Republican Jim Tedisco by fewer than 700 votes. Because of the slim margin, Tedisco did not concede the race until more than three weeks later, when overseas ballots had been counted.

New York's 23rd congressional district

On September 21, 2009, Republican John M. McHugh resigned to become United States Secretary of the Army. On November 3, 2009, Democrat Bill Owens defeated Conservative Doug Hoffman and Republican Dede Scozzafava in a race that garnered considerable press attention. Days before the election, Scozzafava dropped out of the race, then endorsed the Owens, the Democrat.

New York's 29th congressional district

Democrat Eric Massa announced his resignation effective March 8, 2010, citing a recurrence of cancer and a pending investigation before the House Ethics Committee. The special election, won by Republican Tom Reed, was held on the same date as the general election, November 2, 2010.

Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district

On February 8, 2010, Democrat John Murtha died from complications during laparoscopic surgery. The special election was held on May 18, 2010, and Democrat Mark Critz was the winner.

Indiana's 3rd congressional distrist

On May 21, 2010, Republican Mark Souder resigned after revealing an extra-marital affair. The special election will be held on November 2, 2010, concurrent with the general election for the same seat with the same candidates.