Cantor previously said he would serve his full term. Cantor quitting Congress Aug. 18

Rep. Eric Cantor says he will resign from Congress on Aug. 18 and has requested a special election to replace him, according to a report late Thursday.

The Virginia Republican told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he has called on Gov. Terry McAuliffe to set up a special election for his 7th Congressional District seat so that his replacement can begin immediately after the election and not when the 114th Congress starts in January.


Cantor previously said he would serve his full term.

( Also on POLITICO: Timeline: Eric Cantor career highlights)

“I want to make sure that the constituents in the 7th District will have a voice in what will be a very consequential lame-duck session,” Cantor told the Times-Dispatch. “That way he will also have seniority, and that will help the interests of my constituents [because] he can be there in that consequential lame-duck session,” he added.

Cantor lost his seat in a shocking primary upset to political novice Dave Brat.

In his last speech as majority leader on Thursday, he called serving in Congress “the privilege of a lifetime.”

( WATCH: Eric Cantor's last House floor speech)

The congressman also told the Virginia newspaper that he hopes the Republican Brat will defeat Democrat Jack Trammell in the upcoming election. He also said he regrets that Congress moves slowly. “I wish that Washington would act quicker,” he said.

Later Friday, Cantor published an column in the Times-Dispatch to reiterate the announcement and thank his district.

“It has been the highest honor of my professional life to serve the people of Virginia’s 7th District in Congress,” he wrote. “That is why it is with tremendous gratitude and a heavy heart that I have decided to resign from Congress, effective Aug. 18.”

( Also on POLITICO: Eric Cantor's final days)

He confirmed that he has requested a special election from the governor — “at no additional cost to taxpayers” — so that the district’s new representative can begin in November.

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