Midland businessman Kevin Sparks has officially filed his paperwork to run for the 31st District seat in the Texas Senate.

According to the Republican Party of Texas, Sparks filed his paperwork on Wednesday to run for the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo). Seliger is retiring from the Texas Senate after nearly 18 years of service.

With his filing, Sparks has become the first candidate to have officially filed to run for the District 31 seat. Two other candidates have also launched campaigns, but have not yet filed — Coahoma ISD Trustee Stormy Bradley and attorney Jesse Quackenbush, both Republicans. Both candidates have filed their treasurer appointments, however, allowing them to raise money for their campaigns.

Candidates can continue filing for the seat through Monday, December 13. The Republican primary election for the seat is currently scheduled for March 1, 2022.