By Randall Chase, Associated Press
DOVER (AP) — A special election that will decide the balance of power in Delaware’s state Senate has been set for Feb. 25.
The 10th District seat was formally vacated last week by Democrat Bethany Hall-Long, who was sworn in as lieutenant governor.
As presiding officer of the Senate, Hall-Long issued a writ Tuesday directing New Castle County elections officials to hold the election on Feb. 25.
Under state law, the election must be held not less than 30 nor more than 35 days after the writ is issued.
Democrat Stephanie Hansen and Republican John Marino, who narrowly lost a 2014 Senate contest to Hall-Long, are vying for the seat.
If Marino wins the special election, Republicans will control the Senate for the first time in more than 40 years.
