Gov. Robert Bentley on Tuesday announced the special election to replace U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions would coincide with the 2018 general election.

Bentley last week appointed Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange to the seat, but an election is still necessary. The dates are as follows:

• A primary election is set for Tuesday, June 5, 2018, if more than one candidate qualifies with either of the major political parties;

• If necessary, a primary runoff will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2018; and

• The special election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018.

Bentley said a “large number” of factors were taken into consideration when setting the election dates, including compliance with federal and state statutes, election expenses and finding dates that would “increase voter participation.”

“For these reasons, the 2018 General Election is the most reasonable time to hold the Special Election to fill the unexpired term of Senator Sessions,” Bentley said in a statement.

All candidates qualifying with major political parties should be advised that the last day for any candidate to qualify with their respective parties, regarding such election, will be 5 p.m. Friday, Feb, 9, 2018. The two major political parties shall certify their qualified candidates to the Secretary of State as soon as possible after the qualification deadline but by no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

All independent candidates and minor parties seeking ballot access are advised that their deadline for filing of the appropriate ballot access, petitions, and supporting paperwork with the Secretary of State shall be 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2018.