RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Two sitting state legislators and a top state Republican Party leader are among six candidates who have quickly filed to try to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Walter Jones Jr.

The State Board of Elections received paperwork from a half-dozen candidates on Monday's first day of filing for the 3rd Congressional District seat.

Republican hopefuls are state Reps. Greg Murphy of Greenville and Michael Speciale of New Bern, GOP Vice Chairwoman Michele Nix of Kinston and previous district candidate Phil Law of Jacksonville. Nix has resigned from her party post. Democrats filing Monday were Ike Johnson of Jacksonville and Dana Outlaw of New Bern.

Filing ends Friday. Primary elections are April 30. The general election is July 9 or Sept. 10, depending on whether a party runoff is required.