Print Continue to article content The late Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) speaks during a debate at a committee meeting on July 29, 2014 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. | Win McNamee/Getty Images DeSantis sets date for special election to replace Hastings Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has set a date for the special election to fill the vacant congressional seat held by the late Rep. Alcee Hastings. DeSantis said during a press conference in Miami on Tuesday that the primary election will be scheduled for Nov. 2 and will be followed by a general election on Jan. 11. The 84-year-old Hastings died last month after a two year fight with pancreatic cancer. He was first elected to Congress in 1992.