Topeka ? The wife of retiring U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore has filed to run for his seat in Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District.

Stephene Moore filled out her paperwork Thursday in the Johnson County election commissioner’s office in Olathe and had it hand-delivered to the secretary of state’s office in Topeka. It arrived about two hours ahead of the noon filing deadline.

She joined an already crowded race to succeed her husband, who’s represented the Kansas City-area district for 12 years.

Nine Republicans have filed for Moore’s seat, led by Kansas House Appropriations Committee Chairman Kevin Yoder, of Overland Park, and former state Rep. Patricia Lightner, of Olathe. John Rysavy, an Overland Park biosciences executive, filed Thursday as well.