Senator Coburn has been battling prostate cancer. In the past he has survived melanoma and colon cancer.
Coburn said he is not resigning from the Senate because of his health.
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin sets the special election date for Election Day 2014.
primary's and potential primary runoff will be held on June 24, 2014 and August 26, 2014 respectively.
This means in a deep red state, the state will be voting for two Senate seats on the same day this upcoming November.