SAN DIEGO -- The race to finish Randy "Duke" Cunningham's term representing the 50th Congressional District has officially come down to 18 candidates.

Fourteen Republicans, two Democrats, one Libertarian and one independent will appear together on a special election ballot April 11. The deadline to register, including turning in 40 nominating signatures per candidate, was 5 p.m. Monday.

Cunningham resigned in disgrace last year after admitting to taking $2.4 million in bribes. The term runs through Jan. 3.

There is no primary, meaning voters will choose from the full slate of candidates, regardless of political party. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the votes cast in April, a runoff would be held among the top vote-getters of each party June 6, the day of the statewide primary election.

Among those who turned in signatures were four newcomers: Republican Bill Boyer of Carlsbad; nonpartisan William Griffith of Carlsbad; Republican Delecia Holt of University City; and Republican Scott Orren of San Diego.

Other Republicans include lobbyist and former Congressman Brian Bilbray; businessman and former Del Mar Mayor Richard Earnest; retired quality specialist Milton Gale; businessmen Bill Hauf, Eric Roach and Alan Uke; attorney and former state Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian; state Sen. Bill Morrow; California Highway Patrol Sgt. Jeff Newsome; attorney and retired judge Victor Ramirez; and former football player Scott Turner.

Democrats include Cardiff school board member Francine Busby; and Chris Young, a law student and retired bank executive.

The sole Libertarian is small business owner Paul King.