The special election for Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill' s vacant seat in the House will take place April 16, the governor announced Friday.

Gov. Phil Murphy issued a writ of election to fill Sherrill's House vacancy after her resignation from Congress went into effect at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Sherrill, like Murphy a Democrat, becomes governor on Jan. 20.

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Murphy directed that a special primary election be held on Thursday, Feb. 5. The deadline for primary candidates to file nominating petitions is Monday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m.

The race to succeed Sherrill in the House is already a crowded one. At least 10 Democrats and one Republican have already announced campaigns, including Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill,

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