A Detroit attorney has filed a lawsuit against Governor Rick Snyder over the timing of the 13th Congressional District's special election.
Michael Gilmore is also a candidate running to replace former U.S. Representative John Conyers.
The special election has been scheduled to run concurrently with the general election, with a primary in August and the election in November. That means the seat would remain vacant for 11 months. Gilmore says that deprives the constituents of the 13th District their constitutional right to representation.
"The plaintiffs are asserting the governor has denied them these rights based on, at least in part, their color or race," Gilmore said.
Conyers resigned following allegations of sexual harassment.