House Leader Announces Special Election for 161st District

Speaker of the House Mike Turzai has ordered a special election be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to fill the vacant seat in the 161st Legislative District in Delaware County.

Turzai filed each writ of election, the formal document setting the date of a special election, with the Department of State. Copies of the writs also are being filed with the board of elections for Delaware County.

Hackett served 26 years in law enforcement prior to his election in 2010. According to a statement released for his early April announcement, he wanted to return to the life of police work. Philly.com reports that he has joined the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office as a detective in the White Collar Crime and the Senior Exploitation units.

“Coming from a family of bluebloods — my grandfather, wife, father-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and three nephews — I’ve realized that law enforcement is not just a career, it’s a calling,” the release states.

Candidates for the office will be selected by a process designated by their respective political parties, and the winner of the special election will take office after the results are certified.

The district office on 1300 E. MacDade Blvd. in Folsom will remain open under supervision of the House to assist constituents with issues or problems, and continue constituent inquiries already in progress. The office will remain until the new representative takes office and decides how to manage the district.

The 161st Legislative District office may be reached by phone at 855-271-9389 or 610-461-5543.