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The hallways of the State Capitol were packed Monday, but it wasn’t the result of the Georgia General Assembly. The ritual of qualifying for office began early and runs through the week. U.S. Senators, Senate challengers, congressmembers, state constitutional officer hopefuls, state senators and representatives jammed into the second floor of the Capitol to file their paperwork for the 2026 Midterm election. Primaries are set for May 19.

Prospective candidates have until noon Friday to qualify.

Former state Sen. Jason Esteves, a Democrat, made one of the most attention-grabbing entrances as supporters lined the Capitol staircase, chants echoing as he headed in to qualify for Governor. Esteves signed his paperwork, then immediately began throwing darts at his Democratic opponents. He said former Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, “a party-switching former Republican, literally oversaw some of the passage of the worst bills that Georgians have seen in the last decade,” and accused former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms “of being absent “ at a time when Atlanta was in crisis.”

On the other side of the aisle, Republican Gubernatorial candidate and current Attorney General Chris Carr said he’s “in this race — and plans to win it.” He is in a highly contested race for the Republican nomination with Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and billionaire Rick Jackson.

In one of the nation’s most watched races, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, greeted cheering, sign wavers. But he immediately began an attack on President Donald Trump. “We’re here today in wartime,” he said.

In contrast, one of his Republican challengers, Congressman Buddy Carter, spoke about his support of Trump. “I supported President Trump, his America First policies. I’ve done it now. I’ll do it in the Senate,” he said. “We need someone in the Senate who’s going to represent Georgia and Georgia values. We need someone who can win.”

First term Republican Congressman Brian Jack, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, qualified Monday. And Republican Kelvin King and Democrat, Penny Reynolds both qualified for Secretary of State.

One question mark was answered when Democratic Congressman David Scott, of the 13th District, showed up to qualify for another term. Many have questioned the 80-year-old Scott’s health. Scott, who was escorted in by aides in a wheelchair, did not speak to anyone – including one of his opponents, Everton Blair – who tried to talk to him.