With all of the paperwork in, more than half of incumbent state legislators from western Massachusetts will get a free ride during this year's elections.
In Berkshire County, only one legislator -- Democratic State Senator Adam Hinds -- will face a challenge.
Two current House members dropped their party affiliation, and are running as independents: Susannah Whipps of Athol and Solomon Goldstein-Rose of Amherst will be opposed by Democrats in November.
And the only two Republicans in the House from western Massachusetts, Nicholas Boldyga and Todd Smola -- both representing Hampden County -- also face Democratic opposition.
One House seat representing part of Springfield will have nobody listed on the ballot. That's because incumbent Carlos Gonzalez failed to turn in enough signatures, but he says he's still running as a write-in.
There are also some crowded races for open seats across western Massachusetts.
In the First Franklin District, there will be an eight-way Democratic primary to fill the seat currently held by Steve Kulik -- who's retiring. And with no Republicans or others declaring their candidacy, there's a good chance the race will be decided in September.
The Second Hampshire state rep. seat has also attracted a lot of interest. Three Democrats and a Republican are vying to replace the retiring John Scibak.
And in the election to replace former State Senator Stan Rosenberg, only Democrat Chelsea Kline's name will appear on the ballot. At least five others say they plan to run write-in campaigns.
Primary election day in Massachusetts is Tuesday, September 4, with the general election set for Tuesday, November 6.
