A special election Aug. 9 will determine who will fill out the remaining term of Congressman Jim Hagedorn, who died Feb. 17 of kidney cancer.
Rock County is part of Minnesota’s First Congressional District, which extends across southern Minnesota from Rock County to Houston County.
Secretary of State Steve Simon issued a press release Friday.
“I want to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Congressman Hagedorn. He served the people of his district with admirable passion. May his memory be a blessing,” the release stated.
“His passing created a vacancy in the office of U.S. Representative for the First Congressional District, which by law will be filled by special election.”
The governor’s office announced Tuesday the start of the two-week filing period begins March 1 and will close March 15. Filing take place with the Secretary of State office.
A special primary for the Dist. 1 Congressional seat will be May 24. Early voting begins April 8.
The special election on Aug. 9 coincides with the statewide primary election. Absentee voting will begin June 24.
The winner of the special election will serve Hagedorn’s remaining term, set to expire in January 2023.
Winner of the November general election will serve a two-year term beginning in January 2023.
Hagedorn was first elected to the U.S. representative seat in 2018. He revealed a year later his diagnosis of advanced kidney cancer.
He was re-elected to the two-year seat in 2020, with 64 percent of Rock County voters supporting Hagedorn.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar also released a statement Friday.
“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Rep. Hagedorn. He was a fighter for his constituents and a friend to so many including me,” she stated.
“Through his battle against cancer, he showed a level of determination that should inspire us all. My condolence to (spouse) Jennifer (Carnahan) and all his family.”
Hagedorn grew up in rural Truman and made his home in Blue Earth.