Rep. Elijah Cummings died Thursday morning from complications from longstanding health issues.

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The Maryland Democrat represented the state’s 7th District for more than 23 years and was the chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, leaving some to wonder: What happens to his congressional seat?

In Maryland, the governor has 10 days to issue a proclamation announcing a special primary general election to fill the vacancy, The Baltimore Sun reported. Until then, the seat will remain vacant.

It could be at least five months before the seat is filled. The special primary election is held 65 days after the announcement and the special general election is held 65 days after that.

Cummings also led the House Oversight and Reform Committee and has played an important role in the impeachment investigation into President Donald Trump.

New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney, the ranking Democrat, will serve as acting chair. A process to select a permanent chair will be announced sometime in the future, Reuters reported.

"Elijah Cummings was a courageous leader and trailblazer for our nation, and a true friend and mentor to me. His open, gracious, fighting spirit will always be an inspiration," she said in a statement on social media. "I'll miss him so much, and my prayers are with his family."

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8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres