Deaths and resignations prompted seven special elections in 2001. Republicans won five seats, and Democrats took two, resulting in a House breakdown of 222 Republicans, 211 Democrats and two independents. That's a net pickup of one seat for the GOP over the course of the year, provided by the party's win in Virginia's 4th District.

• Pennsylvania 09 -- William Shuster (R) on May 15, 2001, won the seat that was held for 28 years by his father.
• California 32 -- Diane Watson (D) on June 5, 2001, ran away with the open seat in this heavily Democratic district.
• Virginia 04 -- Randy Forbes (R) on June 19, 2001, claimed the vacant seat in Virginia 04 for the Republicans.
• Florida 01 -- Jeff Miller (R) on Oct. 16, 2001, won the open seat in Florida's 1st District.
• Massachusetts 09 -- Stephen Lynch (D) on Oct. 16, 2001, won the race, keeping the seat in South Boston hands.
• Arkansas 03 -- John Boozman (R) on Nov. 20, 2001, kept the district in Republican hands.
• South Carolina 02 -- Joe Wilson (R) on Dec. 18, 2001, handily won the special election to fill the seat of his former boss.

In addition, one other special House election campaign began in 2001 but was concluded in early 2002:

• Oklahoma 01 -- John Sullivan (R) on Jan. 8, 2002, won the special election, ensuring the seat will remain in Republican hands.