That is mostly correct. Most states have the governor appoint replacements to vacant seats, but McConnell himself got that law changed in Kentucky in 2024. Now, in Kentucky, a vacancy triggers a special election UNLESS it is within three months of a general election, which in Kentucky is the first Tuesday in August, which is why there is now suspicion that Republicans will try to hide the true nature of McConnell’s condition until after the August deadline.
I just wrote a longer comment elsewhere more fully explaining the situation: it’s complex, and the Kentucky law is itself badly written apparently, so no one is even very certain if it’s (state) constitutionally valid.
Afaik (my source - a David Pakman video about the topic. IANAL nor have I read the law.)
The law in Kentucky isn’t that the governor can appoint a senator, it’s that a special election must be held if it’s within 3 months of a General.
That is mostly correct. Most states have the governor appoint replacements to vacant seats, but McConnell himself got that law changed in Kentucky in 2024. Now, in Kentucky, a vacancy triggers a special election UNLESS it is within three months of a general election, which in Kentucky is the first Tuesday in August, which is why there is now suspicion that Republicans will try to hide the true nature of McConnell’s condition until after the August deadline.
I just wrote a longer comment elsewhere more fully explaining the situation: it’s complex, and the Kentucky law is itself badly written apparently, so no one is even very certain if it’s (state) constitutionally valid.
Fixed my comment, thank you
That is what I originally meant, but I appreciate the extra info!