The race for the 6th Congressional District seat has officially begun, with Ohio's 33rd Senate District Representative Michael Rulli filing his intent to run for US Congressman's Bill Johnson position.

Rulli filed his declaration of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on November 29. He also filed the creation of a campaign committee, Rulli for Ohio, with the FEC as well.

If Johnson resigns from the 6th District seat before the Dec. 20 filing date, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine could call for a special election to fill the seat, which the governor could attempt to align with a prescheduled election such as the primary, or during the general election in November. But special elections can happen on any date, ultimately up to the governor to decide, but colud occur in May or August if needed.

Candidates wishing to file for office must do so by December 20 by 4 pm with the Board of Elections, which is 90 days prior to the primary, which is March 19 this year. Those candidates would appear on the primary ballot and the winners of the primary would then face off during the November 5 general election and the winner of that election would take office in January of 2025. 

Special elections cost taxpayers additional funds to hold, including board of elections hiring poll workers, printing ballots, and more. 

The 6th District takes in all of Mahoning County, which has the largest population in the district, along with Columbiana, Carroll, Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Monroe, Noble, Washington counties, along with parts of Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

Johnson said last week of his intention to resign from the congressional seat by March.

Other candidates also still in exploring runs for the seat includes Trumbull Co. Commissioner Denny Malloy, and 21 News has reached to other potential candidates but as the posting of this story as not heard back. 

Candidates seeking the US Congressional district seat are required to live inside the state but do not have to live within the district. 

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