Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) on Monday set the special election to replace former Rep. Nathan Deal (R) for April 27.

Deal, who is running for governor, resigned late Sunday night.

He originally intended to resign earlier this month to concentrate on that campaign, but he stayed in office to vote on the health care bill.

There is a crowded field of Republicans vying to succeed Deal in the 9th district, which heavily favors the GOP. They include state Sen. Lee Hawkins, cardiologist Chris Cates, state Rep. Tom Graves and former state Sen. Bill Stephens.

Georgia’s secretary of state set the qualifying period for the all-party special election for March 29-31. If needed, a runoff election will be held on May 25.