New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday set the special election to complete his successor Mikie Sherrill’s unexpired House term for April 16, giving candidates a little over a week to gather signatures to appear on the primary ballot.

The primary for voters to pick party nominees in New Jersey’s 11th District is scheduled for Feb. 5. To make the primary ballot, candidates need to file by Dec. 1 – just over a week away and right after the Thanksgiving holiday – and submit 500 valid signatures.

Sherrill, whose resignation took effect at midnight, was elected New Jersey governor earlier this month. She defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli by 14 points.

Several candidates have already announced campaigns for the North Jersey district, where Sherrill won a fourth term last fal

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