Even as his home city reacts to state Representative Stephen “Stat” Smith’s sudden departure from office amid federal voter-fraud charges, a free-for-all is emerging among aspirants to replace the Everett Democrat on Beacon Hill.

At least seven people have jumped into the special election race to fill the 28th Middlesex District seat, with other potential candidates weighing runs. The newly redrawn district consists of Everett; it previously also included part of Malden.