The slate of candidates seeking to succeed the late North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones Jr. is getting mighty crowded.
The State Board of Elections reports that 17 people have signed up as of late Wednesday to run in the 3rd Congressional District special elections — 11 Republicans, four Democrats and one each from the Libertarian and Constitution parties. Filing began Monday and ends Friday afternoon.
The GOP candidates include three current state legislators, a former state Republican Party leader and a recent 3rd District challenger to Jones, who died last month.
Primary elections are scheduled for April 30, with runoffs set for July 9 if a leading primary candidate doesn't get more than 30 percent of the vote. The general election would be Sept. 10 if runoffs are required.