“He worked until his last breath because he believed our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity,” Rockeymoore wrote in a statement. “I loved him deeply and will miss him dearly.”
In accordance with Maryland law, Governor Larry Hogan is tasked with issuing a proclamation to schedule special election dates and has not made a decision yet on how to proceed according to an official spokesperson.
Hogan has one week to issue a proclamation with dates of special primary and general elections. After that, the special primary election would be held on a Tuesday — at least 65 days after the proclamation — followed by a special general election also on a Tuesday, at least 65 days after the primary.
Hogan would have the option to leave the seat vacant, relieving the state from the expense of a special election. In that case, a new representative would be selected during the general election on Nov. 3, 2020, leaving Cummings’ seat empty for over a year.
Though Rockeymoore is expected to join the election campaign, the Washington Examiner sourced a political operative in saying she will likely skip a special election to grieve her loss.