Carson campaign raises $8.3M

GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson has raised over $8.3 million in the last three months, according to The Associated Press.

Campaign spokesman Doug Watts said 151,000 separate donors contributed since Carson launched his exploratory committee in early March. That includes contributions through Tuesday.

Carson is the first Republican White House hopeful to release his fundraising totals this election cycle.

{mosads}The retired surgeon is one of more than a dozen GOP contenders, comprising one of the most crowded presidential fields in recent memory.

Watts predicted Wednesday that no other campaign will “come even close to the number of engaged donors” Carson commands, AP reported.

His announcement follows Democrat Hillary Clinton’s record-breaking haul for the first quarter of a presidential bid earlier on Tuesday.

Clinton announced on Twitter that her campaign has received $45 million in donations from supporters.

She also retweeted a post from campaign chairman John Podesta, who said 91 percent of all donations were $100 or less.

“Thank you so much for being a part of this campaign,” Clinton told supporters on Twitter. “I’m grateful for all you’ve done and excited for what comes next.

“While the road ahead is tough, you need the best people by your side,” Clinton added. “That’s why I’m thankful for you. With warm regards, Hillary.”

Clinton’s first quarter scoop bests President Obama’s previous record of $42 million set during the first quarter of 2011 during his reelection campaign.

That figure was part of a larger $68 million haul, most of which was raised by the Democratic National Committee that election cycle.

Election law dictates that first quarter fundraising ends on June 30. Candidates then have 15 days to file their results.

Clinton announced her Oval Office bid on April 12, only 12 days into the fundraising window. That move helped her campaign staff seek contributions for most of the quarter.