May special election for seat of NY lawmaker in online dating scandal

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has set a special election date for the seat formerly held by Republican Chris Lee.

Lee resigned Feb. 9 after Gawker published a report claiming the married congressman solicited a romantic encounter over the Internet, even sending a photo of himself without a shirt to the woman.

The governor also announced Wednesday a special election will be held on May 24 to fill the vacancy in New York’s 26th district. The date reflects new legislation that extended the window of time for a vote so that members of the military serving overseas could have a better opportunity to get their votes in.

“Our electoral process only functions properly when all citizens have the chance to participate,” Cuomo said in a statement. “I thank the legislature for quickly and unanimously passing this measure so that I could sign it into law and call a special election to ensure fair representation in the 26th Congressional District.”

Republicans have chosen state lawmaker Jane Corwin as their nominee. The Democratic favorite for the nomination is Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul, but officials are still deliberating.