Rep. Elijah Cummings: What happens to his congressional seat?

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."