DeSantis sparks questions with Florida's upcoming special election DeSantis' plan will leave voters in Florida's 20th without a representative until January. If that seems like a long time, it's not your imagination. BySteve Benen It was just four weeks ago when the late Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) died at the age of 84. There's already a crowded field of candidates eager to succeed the longtime Miami-area congressman, in a heavily Democratic district. The power falls to Florida's governor to schedule a special election to fill the vacancy, and yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) did exactly that. The U.S. House seat left vacant by the death of Rep. Alcee Hastings will be filled through a special election, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday. Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, DeSantis said the primary for the District 20 seat will be held on Nov. 2, with the general election on Jan. 11, 2022.