Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday signed a proclamation to set special election dates for Alabama House District 73.

This seat was held by State Rep. Matt Fridy (R-Montevallo), who was elected to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals on November 3.

HD-73 represents portions of Shelby County. Ivey has set the house district’s special election to align with the special election she recently set for Senate District 14, which encompasses parts of Shelby, Bibb, Chilton, Jefferson and Hale Counties.

For both HD-73 and SD-14, the special primary election will be March 30; the special primary runoff, if necessary, is slated for April 27; and the special general election will occur July 13. Timing wise, it should be noted these seats will be vacant for the entirety of the 2021 regular session of the Alabama Legislature.

“The election for House District 73 coincides with the special election for the vacant state senate seat so that we can ensure the people of Shelby County have representation,” Ivey said in a statement. “I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote. Let’s make sure that you have a strong voice advocating for you in the Alabama Legislature.”

The deadline for qualifying with major political parties will be Tuesday, January 26 at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties is March 30 at 5:00 p.m.

HD-73 and SD-14 are both considered safely Republican seats.

Former State Rep. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) has announced her candidacy for the open Senate seat, which was vacated upon State Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) becoming director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn