Gov. Haley Barbour has set a Nov. 17 special election date for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Michael Janus, a Republican from Biloxi.

The qualifying deadline for the district in Harrison County is Oct. 18. If a run-off is necessary, it will be held on Dec. 8.

The office became open Sept. 28, Janus resigned to take the post as city manager for DIberville. There are two years remaining in the current term of office.