The timeline for coming up with the replacement for former State Rep. John Carey’s House seat is expected to be announced by the end of the week.

That according to Mike Ditto, director of communications for Ohio House Speaker William Batchelder.

“The Speaker is working with members of his leadership team to determine the best course of action, moving forward to replace Representative Carey,” Ditto said. “I imagine something will be announced by the end of the week. That is the tentative timeline for announcing what the process will be for the replacement.”

Carey left the House earlier this month to take a position at Shawnee State University. A replacement is expected to be named by the GOP caucus to fill out Carey’s current term, which ends on Dec. 31.

In November the voters will decide who will get the seat for the next two years.

Right now there are three Republicans wanting their party’s nomination and will run against the single Democrat in the race in November.

Lawrence Economic Development Corp. Director Bill Dingus, Jackson County Commissioner Jim Riepenhoff and Gallia County stockbroker Ryan Smith will face off in the March 6 primary. That winner will meet Democratic Wellston Councilman Luke Scott in the general election in November.

Recently Timothy Adkins of Proctorville picked up petitions to run for the seat as an Independent. Adkins has until March 5 to file to get on the November ballot.

Typically the Speaker appoints a committee of House Republicans to consider candidates for the unexpired term of Carey. The recommendations from that screening committee would go to Batchelder, who would make a final recommendation to all Republican members of the Ohio House. All GOP House membership would vote on that name or any others they want to consider. They would make the final decision.

The earliest a replacement could be seated would be Jan. 24, when the House comes back into session for the New Year.

Pre-primary campaign finance report forms will sent out to candidates by Feb. 13 and must be filed with the board of elections’ office by Feb. 23.