H.R. 8581In committeeGovernment & democracy
House vacancy elections must occur within 180 days
Data as of July 11, 2026
States would have 180 days to hold a special election when a U.S. House seat becomes vacant, or face a federal lawsuit.40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill would require states to hold a special election within 180 days whenever a U.S. House seat becomes empty. The one exception is if a regularly scheduled general election for that seat is already set to happen within that same 180-day period.
Who does it affect?
State governments would face a new deadline they currently do not have. The U.S. Attorney General, private citizens harmed by a violation, or the House Speaker or Minority Leader could sue a non-complying state governor in federal court.
Why does it matter?
Right now, states have wide flexibility in deciding when or whether to hold special elections, meaning some vacant seats may go unfilled for extended periods. This bill would change that by setting a firm deadline and creating a legal path to enforce it.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
To require States to hold special elections to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives not later than 180 days after a vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives, and for other purposes.
- Introduced:
- April 29, 2026
- Latest action:
- April 29, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.