If a senator dies while in office, the process for filling the vacancy depends on the state they represent. According to the 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, when vacancies happen in the representation of any state in the Senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. In most states, governors have the power to make temporary appointments to fill U.S. Senate vacancies until either a scheduled or special election determines who will fill the remainder of the term. However, some states require a special election to fill a vacancy, and a few states require the governor to appoint a replacement of the same political party as the previous incumbent. In 37 states, the governor makes an appointment to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy, and the appointee serves until the next general election. The length of time that a temporary senator can serve until a special election varies by state, but in 30 states, special Senate elections must be held concurrently with regular general elections.