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President-elect Donald Trump returns to Mobile, Ala., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, as part of his "Thank You" tour. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions of Mobile, who is Trump's nominee for the next U.S. attorney general, left, and Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, center, greet Trump upon his arrival. Bentley, as governor, has the authority to choose Sessions' replacement if the senator is confirmed as attorney general by the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Mike Kittrell/AL.com)

Gov. Robert Bentley said Thursday that his appointee to replace Jeff Sessions in the U.S. Senate won't have to face a special election for the seat later this year.

Instead, the new senator would be up for election during the regularly scheduled contests in 2018, if he or she chooses to run. Bentley said that he could publicly name the new senator as soon as next week, and that he hopes to decide on the replacement by tomorrow.

The decision to forgo a special election in 2017, according to governor, could save the state up to $16 million.

"It's a statewide election and you need a primary, runoff and general election," Bentley said to the media following an appearance during the 11th annual Alabama First Class Pre-K Conference in Mobile. "Each one of those would cost $4 million to $5 million. It will save the state a lot of money."

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill said he could have more details on the exact costs of an election by next week. He said his office is currently studying the analytics of what an actual election costs during the regular cycle elections of 2012, 2014 and 2016.

"We're doing that right now not because of the discussions held in 2016 regarding potential special elections," Merrill said. "This is something we were underway with prior to the vacancy that might be created (if Sessions leaves the Senate to become U.S. Attorney General)."

Also, Bentley said by waiting until 2018, the new senator will get a better chance "to prove him or herself." The 2018 primary is scheduled for June 5, a runoff would take place on July 17, and the general election is slated for Nov. 8.

Bentley, as governor, has the authority to schedule a special Senate election this year if he wishes. But the governor said he's no fan of special elections.

"In a special election, only about 25 percent of the people turn out," said Bentley. "So you're really not getting a good cross-section of voters. I think it's important we give the voters in the state the opportunity, as many as possible, to make that decision."

He added, "To do it in 2018 is the time to do it."

A Senate battle on the 2018 Alabama ballot would be among several high-profile races, including the governor's race. Under state law, Bentley cannot seek a third term, leaving the race wide open for candidates who could also be interested in seeking the U.S. Senate seat.

"It's going to be an interesting time in 2018, it really is," Bentley said.

Sessions, who has been in the U.S. Senate since 1997, will go before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week for confirmation hearings on his nomination as President-elect Donald Trump's choice for U.S. attorney general. The two-day hearing is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

If confirmed, Sessions will resign almost immediately from his Senate seat. Bentley will then be responsible for forwarding a Sessions resignation letter to Washington, D.C. The letter, Bentley said, will include the name of Sessions' replacement.

"I do want to put the one I choose in place very quickly," said Bentley. "There are some important votes coming up."

Bentley interviewed approximately 20 candidates for the potential vacancy. He said that he'll make up his mind by tomorrow, but doesn't plan to inform his choice until "the day before" he announces the appointment.

Among those interviewed: Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange; U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville; Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Jim Byard; Alabama Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee; former state Rep. Perry Hooper of Montgomery; Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Glenn Murdock; Rep. Connie Row, R-Jasper; Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster; Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville; Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston; Sen. Bill Hightower, R-Mobile; Sen. Trip Pittman, R-Montrose; Rep. Bill Poole, R-Tuscalooa; and suspended Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore.