MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday set special election dates for House District 4. The election was necessitated by House Rep. Micky Hammon’s guilty plea in connection with a mail fraud scheme.

According to court documents, Hammon used campaign money to pay his own personal expenses. Specifically, in 2013, Hammon created a principal campaign committee through the Secretary of State’s Office. This principal campaign committee allowed Hammon to begin raising money for his re-election campaign.

Hammon had served in the House since 2003 and had also served as majority leader.

Those interested in qualifying for the District 4 seat have until Oct. 10 to do so. Interested parties should qualify through the county Republican and Democrat party offices. House District 4 includes portions of Limestone and Morgan Counties.

Ivey set the primary for Tuesday, Dec. 12, which is the same date of the special election for U.S. Senate that will feature Republican Judge Roy Moore and Democrat Doug Jones. If necessary, the runoff for District 4 would be Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018. The special election will be Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

If there is no need for a primary based on number of qualifying candidates or a runoff is not necessary, the general election will be held Feb. 27.

“In setting the dates for the House District 4 special election, it was imperative to give the people of Limestone and Morgan Counties the earliest possible opportunity to select their representative,” Ivey said. “Elected representation is a central component of our government, and I encourage all those that live in House District 4 to participate in voting.”