Now that the late Tony DeLuca has been re-elected, what happens next?

It was a possibility that tantalized political pundits for the four weeks leading up to the November general election.

When state Rep. Tony DeLuca, a Democrat, died on Oct. 9 at the age of 85, after a brief battle with lymphoma, his name remained on the ballot because it was too late to change them.

DeLuca, the longest- serving member of the state House, was running for re-election in the 32nd Legislative District. The district includes Oakmont, Verona, Plum and most of Penn Hills.

His opponent in the race was Green Party candidate Queonia “Zarah” Livingston. There was no Republican on the ballot.

The question that hung in the air was what happens if DeLuca wins?

And he indeed was reelected posthumously.

Once the election results are certified on Nov. 28, the winners are notified. If there is a winner who does not accept, the Pennsylvania Department of State notifies the House that the seat is vacant.

According to Allegheny County communications director Amie Downs, since DeLuca cannot accept, no one will be seated as the 32nd District’s representative when the House begins its next term in January. The Department of State will notify the Speaker of the House, who will set a special election date shortly after legislators are sworn in in January. The 32nd District seat will remain vacant until then.

“It’s not the first time it’s happened. It’s happened numerous times,” Downs said.

Qualified political parties will have the opportunity to hold nominating conventions to select nominees.

Livingston told the Tribune- Review last month she would likely attempt to run in a special election.

Allegheny County Democratic Committee Chair Sam Hens-Greco has told the Trib the nominating process for the Democrats would be similar to the process that took place earlier this year when Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey vacated his state House seat to become mayor. Hens-Greco said the Allegheny County Democratic Committee would hold a 32nd District nominating convention when a special election is called.

For its part, the Republican Committee of Allegheny County has said it will look for a candidate to run in a special election as well.