CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday tentatively set the special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. for March 19 and said he would seek approval to move it to coincide with municipal elections on April 9.

Jackson resigned from Congress last week, citing his health and acknowledging that he's under federal investigation, reportedly for misuse of campaign funds. The move creates an unusual opening in the Chicago area territory that Jackson has held since 1995, and several candidates have already come forward.

The law gives the governor a 115-day window to set a special election. The governor must seek approval from a judge or lawmakers to move it beyond that timeline.