A special election will be held March 17 to fill the Pennsylvania House seat recently held by Lou Schmitt, R-Altoona.

Schmitt resigned his House seat to be sworn in as a judge in the Blair County Court of Common Pleas.

According to House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford, the offices of the 79th Legislative District will remain open until a successor is elected.

The district office will be managed by House staff to assist constituents with state-related issues or problems and continue constituent inquiries already in progress. The district includes Altoona, Allegheny Township and Logan Township.

The 79th Legislative District office, open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is at 2301 Beale Ave., Suite A, Altoona, PA 16601. The phone number is 814-946-7218.

The website, www.RepLouSchmitt.com, will continue to offer information and links to constituent service.