There are still 11 months until the midterm elections, but Thursday marked the opening of the monthlong candidate qualifying period in Texas.

Prospective candidates have until Jan. 4 to file paperwork with the state political parties to secure a place on the March 2 primary ballot.

Texas traditionally has been at or near the front of the 50 states in its election schedule. In this election cycle, only Illinois has an earlier filing deadline (Nov. 2) and primary (Feb. 2).