A dozen Republicans are vying for their party's nomination, joining three Democrats in the race to replace former state Rep. Brian Ellis.

After more than a month of silence on the issue, Ellis resigned from representing the 11th District amid sexual assault allegations that haven't yet resulted in charges. A special election May 21 will decide who replaces him.

Both major parties plan to select their candidates later this week via a vote of their official committee members from the district.

County Republican officials confirmed last week that candidates were to be interviewed Saturday. Following those meetings, officials sent a list of fellow applicants to all candidates interested in the position.

That document lists the 12 following people:

Suzie Bradrick of Butler Township. Bradrick is a member of the Butler School Board.

Shawn Denham of Fairview Township.

Tiffany Keffalas of Butler Township.

Jim Kemple of Butler.

Tom Knights of Saxonburg. Knights is the township manager of Butler Township and a Saxonburg council member.

Chris Mertz of Connoquenessing.

Marci Mustello of Butler Township. Mustello works for U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, and ran against Ellis in 2004.

Lois Rankin of Jefferson Township. Rankin is a Jefferson Township supervisor.

Amy Reynolds of Butler Township.

Jeff Smith of Butler. Smith is a Butler City Council member.

Vernon Smith of Butler Township.

Gregory Walter of Clearfield Township. Walter ran against Ellis in 2006.

Committee members for the Republican party will meet Wednesday night to vote.

One of those committee members is Monica Ellis, the former representative's wife. She has confirmed with county officials that she will be voting. Monica Ellis filed for divorce last month.

Of the Republican candidates, Jeff Smith, Marci Mustello, Tiffany Keffalas and Tom Knights are committee members in the district. Trish Lindsay, the party's co-vice chairwoman, confirmed Monday that those candidates will be able to vote for themselves. Mustello and Smith also have family members within the voting pool.

Democrats released the names of three interested candidates last week. Those are:

Sam Doctor of Butler.

Chris Kubiak of Butler.

Dave Zarnick of Butler Township. Zarnick is a commissioner for Butler Township.

As of Monday, Democratic committee members plan to vote on a candidate either Wednesday or Thursday.

District 11 includes Connoquenessing, Butler, Summit, Saxonburg, Fairview, Donegal, Clearfield and Oakland townships.