State Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-Allegheny) announced her resignation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today.

Innamorato will be turning her focus to the Allegheny County Executive race, as she won the Democratic nomination to replace term-limited Rich Fitzgerald in the position. She will face Republican Joe Rockey in the November 7 general election.

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as your Representative for the 21st Legislative District,” said Innamorato. “Throughout my time as a Representative, my constituents’ stories inspired and drove my legislative priorities around creating safe and healthy communities where we can all thrive. Together, we’ve done amazing things to improve our region, and I am excited to continue serving our neighbors for years to come.”

Her resignation will bring the PA House back to a 101-101 tie during a time when the Keystone State is locked in a budget impasse.

A special election will be required in the 21st District for Innamorato’s seat. Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) has announced that the election will be held September 19.

According to Act 320 from 1937 (section 628) in Pennsylvania’s unconsolidated statutes, “Whenever a vacancy shall occur in either house of the General Assembly whether or not it then be in session, the presiding officer of such house shall, within ten (10) days after the happening of the vacancy, issue a writ of election to the proper county board or boards of election and to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for a special election to fill said vacancy, which election shall be held at the next ensuing primary, municipal or general election scheduled at least sixty (60) days after the issuance of the writ or such other earlier date which is at least sixty (60) days following the issuance of the writ as the presiding officer may deem appropriate: Provided, however, That should the Governor after the issuance of the said writ of election advise the presiding officer that the General Assembly will be called into extraordinary session prior to the date set for such special election, the presiding officer may countermand the writ theretofore issued and shall issue a new writ of election, fixing therein such earlier date therefor as is deemed expedient, but which shall not be less than sixty (60) days after the issuance of said writ: Provided further, That if the vacancy shall occur less than seven (7) months prior to the expiration of the term, a special election shall be held only if in the opinion of the presiding officer the election is in the public interest.

“Sara is an unwavering advocate for her neighbors and a strong voice for all working families,” said McClinton. “Her tenacity and commitment are admirable, and she will be missed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.”

“Now you know why the House won’t be in voting session until the end of September and there will be no budget impasse resolution until then,” said Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), chair of the PA House GOP Appropriations Committee. “The House budget summer vacation brought to you by the House Democrats politics first agenda. This was all pre planned.”

District 21 consists of parts of Allegheny County, including sections of the city of Pittsburgh, the townships of Reserve and Shaler, and the boroughs of Etna and Millvale.