Alabama Republican Rep. Jo Bonner, the six-term the congressman for Alabama’s First District, will resign his seat to take a job at the University of Alabama system in its office for Government Affairs and Economic Development.
Bonner, 53, is expected to make the announcement at 4 p.m. CST from his Mobile, Ala. office that he will officially step down in mid-August.
His resignation sets up a special election with what could be a crowded Republican field vying for the seat. According to the Alabama secretary of state’s office, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has sole discretion as to when the special election will be held.
Judy Bonner, Jo Bonner’s sister was named the University of Alabama’s first woman president last November. However, Jo Bonner’s position would fall under the direction of University of Alabama system Chancellor, Dr. Robert Witt, not his sister.