Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, announced April 17 he will soon be leaving Congress.

“After discussions with my family and careful reflection, I have decided to leave Congress in the coming weeks,” Dent said. “Serving the people of the 15th Congressional District has been a tremendous responsibility and the privilege of a lifetime, and I am honored by the trust that so many of my constituents placed in me to represent them in Washington.

“Actively engaging in the legislative and political process presents many challenges, and in so doing, I believe I have had a positive impact on people’s lives and made a difference in Congress.

“I am especially proud of the work I have done to give voice to the sensible center in our country that is often overlooked or ignored. It is my intention to continue to aggressively advocate for responsible governance and pragmatic solutions in the coming years.”

Governor Tom Wolf thanked U.S. Representative Charlie Dent, R-15th, for his service to the country and commonwealth following his announcement that he would resign from Congress in May in a press release on his website.

“Charlie Dent is a voice of reason and civility that breaks through the chaos and partisanship of Washington and he will be missed,” Wolf said. “I thank Representative Dent for his service to our country and commonwealth. While we do not agree on everything, Charlie has always been approachable and he has always put his constituents above partisan politics. I am proud to have worked with Representative Dent to make improvements in the Lehigh Valley and advance our constituents’ shared interests in Washington.”

Wolf said once he receives an official resignation notice with an exact date, he will make a formal decision regarding scheduling the date of a special election.

In a statement on the Governor’s website, Pennsylvania’s Election Code requires the governor to issue a writ when the vacancy occurs during a session of Congress or if the vacancy occurs at a time when Congress shall be required to meet any time prior to the next general election.

The governor must issue the writ within 10 days of the vacancy to set the special election date.

The date of the election must not be sooner than 60 days after the governor issues the writ.

Candidates would be nominated by the parties in accordance with party rules.

Political bodies may nominate by circulating and filing nomination papers. The winner of the special election fills the balance of term.