Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who earlier this week announced that a special election would be held in October to fill the seat, scheduled a news conference for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, at which he was expected to announce his choice to serve as an interim senator until the special election.
The decision could have a significant effect on the dynamics of the race, especially for Republicans. It remains to be seen if Mr. Christie, a Republican, appoints someone who plans to also run for the seat or to serve as just a caretaker. On the Democratic side, Representative Rush Holt, who has represented central New Jersey for eight terms in Congress, announced his intention to compete for the seat on Thursday.
He is likely to face Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, who polls show enjoys wide name recognition.
Representative Frank Pallone Jr., a Democrat who has served 13 terms, is also expected to run. He has millions of dollars in campaign funds available for the race.
The Republican primary picture will remain more uncertain until Mr. Christie’s announcement, which could boost the fortunes of whomever he selects.
Only Steve Lonegan, a conservative who competed with Mr. Christie in the 2009 primary for governor, has announced.
Other names that have been mentioned as possible appointees or candidates include Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno; former State Senator Bill Baroni, who currently serves as the deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and David Sampson, who is the chairman of the Port Authority.
Former Gov. Tom Kean, who served as a political mentor to Mr. Christie, has been mentioned as a possible choice if Mr. Christie wants to select someone who can serve until October without being distracted by a campaign.
Mr. Lautenberg died on Monday, and the following day, Mr. Christie announced plans to hold a primary election in August followed by a general election in October.
Republicans and Democrats hoping to run must file petitions by Monday afternoon and must include 1,000 signatures from supporters.
Democrats in the state outnumber Republicans by 700,000 among registered voters.
Mr. Booker, a nationally known figure who would bring an element of star wattage to the seat, had been planning to run even before Mr. Lautenberg died. Now, the compressed timetable has forced his team and everyone else to act more quickly.
Mr. Holt announced his intentions in an e-mail to supporters Thursday morning.
“Today, I ask for your support as I seek to serve as your Senator in that seat,” Mr. Holt wrote. “The reason is simple: I believe I am the best candidate to continue the passionate advocacy for progressive values that Sen. Lautenberg exemplified.”
The decision could have a significant effect on the dynamics of the race, especially for Republicans. It remains to be seen if Mr. Christie, a Republican, appoints someone who plans to also run for the seat or to serve as just a caretaker. On the Democratic side, Representative Rush Holt, who has represented central New Jersey for eight terms in Congress, announced his intention to compete for the seat on Thursday.
He is likely to face Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, who polls show enjoys wide name recognition.
Representative Frank Pallone Jr., a Democrat who has served 13 terms, is also expected to run. He has millions of dollars in campaign funds available for the race.
The Republican primary picture will remain more uncertain until Mr. Christie’s announcement, which could boost the fortunes of whomever he selects.
Only Steve Lonegan, a conservative who competed with Mr. Christie in the 2009 primary for governor, has announced.
Other names that have been mentioned as possible appointees or candidates include Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno; former State Senator Bill Baroni, who currently serves as the deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and David Sampson, who is the chairman of the Port Authority.
Former Gov. Tom Kean, who served as a political mentor to Mr. Christie, has been mentioned as a possible choice if Mr. Christie wants to select someone who can serve until October without being distracted by a campaign.
Mr. Lautenberg died on Monday, and the following day, Mr. Christie announced plans to hold a primary election in August followed by a general election in October.
Republicans and Democrats hoping to run must file petitions by Monday afternoon and must include 1,000 signatures from supporters.
Democrats in the state outnumber Republicans by 700,000 among registered voters.
Mr. Booker, a nationally known figure who would bring an element of star wattage to the seat, had been planning to run even before Mr. Lautenberg died. Now, the compressed timetable has forced his team and everyone else to act more quickly.
Mr. Holt announced his intentions in an e-mail to supporters Thursday morning.
“Today, I ask for your support as I seek to serve as your Senator in that seat,” Mr. Holt wrote. “The reason is simple: I believe I am the best candidate to continue the passionate advocacy for progressive values that Sen. Lautenberg exemplified.”