Congressional candidates jump onto ballot as qualifying begins for 2024 Georgia races

U.S. Rep. and state Democratic Party Chair Nikema Williams speaks to reporters on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. Hundreds of candidates are signing up to run for state and federal offices during the qualifying period, which runs through Friday, March 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

This story was updated on March 5 at 9:09 a.m.

Georgia’s 2024 elections kicked into high gear Monday with the start of qualifying for state and federal offices.

Dozens of candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties streamed to the state Capitol to sign papers and pay their qualifying fees, while those running for nonpartisan posts and as independents lined up across the street to qualify with the secretary of state’s office. Candidates have until noon Friday to sign up.