The special election to replace U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins in New York's 26th Congressional District will take place on Tuesday, April 30, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday in a proclamation.

The Democrat in Western New York officially left Congress last week is now the new president and CEO at Shea's Performing Arts Center in downtown Buffalo.

Per state law, Gov. Hochul has to schedule a special election within 10 days from being notified of a vacancy, which then has to then take place within 80 days.

In special elections for Congress in New York state, local party committees choose their candidates. Democrats chose state Sen. Tim Kennedy their designated candidate last month. Kennedy has served in the state Legislature since 2011, representing the 63rd state Senate seat. Former congressional candidate Nate McMurray says he is also running for the seat and could challenge Kennedy in the regularly scheduled primary contest in June should Kennedy win the special election.

Republicans have yet to choose a nominee.

The special election will take place four weeks after New York's scheduled presidential primary, on April 2.

The 26th District is considered a safe Democratic seat. It encompasses parts of Erie and Niagara counties and the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.