7 Vie To Fill Remainder Of John Lewis’ Congressional Term

After John Lewis held an Atlanta-centered congressional seat for 34 years, the next occupant may not be a member of Congress for even 34 days.

Five Democrats, an independent and a Libertarian will square off Tuesday in a special election in Georgia’s 5th Congressional District to fill the vacancy left by Lewis’ July 17 death.

If no one wins a majority, a runoff will be held Dec. 1. Lewis’ successor will serve only until the current Congress ends on Jan. 3, and none of Tuesday’s candidates are running in the November general election, which will determine who wins a full two-year term.