CONCORD- State Rep. Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) and retired state police office Bernie Sparks (R-Loudon) officially filed at the State House with the Secretary of State office.

Carson is running for the State Senate, while Sparks has decided to run for the Executive Council.

"This is really the beginning of the campaign," Carson said. "It's going to be an exciting time here in New Hampshire."

Carson added that the state budget will be her main campaign issue and she is running in Senate District 14 against Sandy Amlaw (D-Londonderry).

"I'm running because the seat is now available from the Republican side and it's good to give people a choice," Sparks told PolitickerNH.com.

Sparks said he will run on creating a more transparent contract system.

Sparks is running for the Executive Council District 2 seat. During the 1990s his wife ran for the same seat. He will be running in a Republican primary against Dan St. Hilaire (R-Concord). The winner of the primary will face current Executive Councilor John Shea (D-Nelson).