Retiring Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield has announced his resignation.
According to The Associated Press and other news agencies, Whitfield, a Hopkinsville Republican, notified Gov. Matt Bevin Monday of his intentions, and Whitfield's communications director today reportedly confirmed the letter. The resignation will be effective at 6 p.m. Sept. 6. No reason has been given for the sudden resignation.
Whitfield was first elected in 1994, becoming the first-ever Republican representative of Kentucky's 1st Congressional District. Bevin will call a special election, to be held on the same day as the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The winner of the special election would take office immediately upon certification of election results. The winner of the general election would then be sworn to office in January 2017 for a new two-year term.
James Comer, who in May secured the GOP nomination for the general election, is hoping to appear on the ballot two times this fall.
"I will seek the nomination for the unexpired term of Congressman Whitfield, and fully expect to be on the ballot twice on Nov. 8, once for the unexpired term and once for the full two-year term."
Republicans and Democrats will each choose a respective nominee for the special election.
Comer will face Democrat Sam Gaskins in the general election.
