Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin scheduled a special election to fill the upcoming vacancy in House District 75. Rep. Dan Kirby will voluntarily vacate the seat on March 1.

Kirby’s resignation allows him to avoid a potentially embarrassing floor vote to remove him from the legislative body amid sexual harassment allegations.

House Speaker Charles McCall had previously suspended Kirby from his chairmanship of the Business, Commerce, and Tourism Committee pending further investigation of the allegations. Kirby denies any wrongdoing.

A special primary election will be held May 9 with a special general election on July 11. If a special primary is not necessary, the May 9 election will be considered the special general election.