A special election has been set for Aug. 6 to fill the state Senate seat of Harry Blevins, whose retirement will officially take effect the day prior.

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the date Wednesday, saying the date will allow time for another special election to fill the seat of the winner if necessary. Blevins’ District 14 includes most of Suffolk.

Delegate John A. Cosgrove, who currently represents the 78th District in Chesapeake, has announced he will run for the open seat.

“Senator Blevins has been an outstanding and selfless public servant for the citizens of his district and the Commonwealth for the last 15 years,” McDonnell said. “I had the pleasure of serving with him in the House, and he has been a great ally during my time as attorney general and governor. He has been a tireless advocate on education issues in Virginia, and his presence in the Senate will be missed. I wish Senator Blevins all the best for he and his wife as they embark on a new chapter of their lives together.”