Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach brought the hammer down at noon Monday in Topeka, ending one of the most chaotic campaign sign-up seasons in the state's history.

Dozens of candidates for seats in the state legislature decided over the weekend to launch their campaigns following the release of new state district maps by a federal court.

Kobach said both parties worked hard over the weekend to find and recruit candidates.

"The court by drawing the lines the way they did opened up a large number of opportunities...that in turn has allowed the infusion of new blood into the Kansas political system, a lot of fresh faces

"I think that's a good thing."

He said more than 250 candidates signed up for 125 House seats, and more than 100 people decided to run for the 40 Senate seats.

There were some surprises. State Sen. Ray Merrick has apparently decided to run for the House, while Rep. Charlotte O'Hara -- his potential opponent -- has filed for Merrick's Senate seat, officials said. The switch could not be immediately verified.

Several candidates expressed frustration with the last minute filings, although few expect things to change before 2022.

Kobach said incumbents in renumbered districts need not resign their current positions. Incumbents who moved into new districts to file, however, may be required to resign.