( KTRS ) Candidate filing to run for Congress, the state Legislature and statewide offices in Missouri has ended.

The secretary of state’s office reports almost 500 candidates filed to run for various offices this year. More Republicans are running than Democrats, with 255 GOP candidates and 197 Democratic hopefuls.

St. Louis businessman John Brunner, former Navy SEAL officer Eric Greitens, former U.S. attorney and House speaker Catherine Hanaway, and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder are vying for the Governors seat in what could be a vigorous primary.

Democratic front-runner Attorney General Chris Koster faces what appears to be a less competitive primary against three opponents.

The primary is Aug. 2. The general election is Nov. 8.