District of ColumbiaD.C. follows federal rules for House Delegate vacancies in extraordinary circumstances
When D.C.’s U.S. House Delegate seat is vacant in extraordinary circumstances defined by federal law, D.C. uses that law’s process to fill it.
What it does
When D.C.’s U.S. House Delegate seat becomes vacant in extraordinary circumstances defined by federal law, D.C. must use federal rules to fill it, even if District election rules differ.
Argument forUsing federal rules could help D.C. officials avoid conflicting instructions when filling the House Delegate seat in extraordinary circumstances defined by federal law.
Argument againstOverriding D.C. election rules could limit local officials’ choices for filling the House Delegate seat in extraordinary circumstances defined by federal law.
More detail
D.C. must fill the vacant U.S. House Delegate seat under federal rules. It applies to vacancies in D.C.’s U.S. House Delegate seat. The vacancy must meet the federal definition of extraordinary circumstances. This rule takes priority over other District election laws.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 7Law L26-0143, Effective from Jul 18, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 011051Latest
- Jun 5Act A26-0321 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008161
- Jun 4Transmitted to CongressMinor
- May 29Returned from Mayor
- May 29Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0321Became Law
- May 14Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on May 29, 2026To Governor
- May 5Final Reading, CCMinor
- Vote recorded Final Reading, CC. Result: pass.Legislature
- Mar 31First Reading, CCMinor
- Vote recorded First Reading, CC. Result: pass.Legislature
- Mar 25Committee Mark-up of B26-0136 by the Executive Administration and Labor Committee
- 2025
- May 14Public Hearing on B26-0136
- May 9Public Hearing on B26-0136
- May 9Notice of Public Hearing Published in the District of Columbia Register
- May 2Notice of Public Hearing Published in the District of Columbia Register
- Apr 30Revised Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Executive Administration and LaborMinor
- Apr 29Revised Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Executive Administration and LaborMinor
- Apr 25Notice of Public Hearing Published in the District of Columbia Register
- Apr 23Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Executive Administration and LaborMinor
- Mar 7Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0136 Published in the District of Columbia Register
- Mar 3Referred to Committee on Executive Administration and LaborMinor
- Feb 21B26-0136 Introduced by Councilmember Bonds at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
Civil Rights & VotingGovernment & Ethics