Tea party favorite Ben Carson is officially exploring whether to run for president in 2016, he announced on Tuesday.
Carson registered with the Federal Election Commission, allowing him to use money raised from this point forward in any future presidential campaign.
Carson, a 63-year-old retired pediatric neurosurgeon, made the announcement in a Youtube video posted to his new exploratory website, BenCarson.com.
“If I run for president it will be because I know what it’s like to grow up in a tough neighborhood and feel marginalized,” Carson said in the four-minute video. “If I run it will be because I know first hand that quality education is the ladder to climb out of poverty and dependence.”
Carson’s launch was not unexpected. Last month he hired two experienced fundraisers, Amy Pass and Mike Murray, who will serve as national finance director and grassroots fundraiser, respectively, in the event of an official run.
Carson has said that he will make a decision by May.
“In every aspect of Dr. Carson’s life, he has exemplified true leadership,” Terry Giles, a longtime friend of Carson’s who will likely be his campaign chairman, said in a statement. “Overcoming dire poverty in his youth to become head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Carson is uniquely situated to understand the needs and hopes of all Americans.” (RELATED: The Latest Ben Carson Move Makes His Intentions Pretty Clear)
“Carson’s rise is testament that through hard work and perseverance, the American dream remains attainable to all,” Giles said.
While Carson lacks political experience, his outsider status and a scene at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast in which he publicly criticized President Obama, sitting just feet away, won Carson a dedicated following among grassroots conservatives.
Carson also put forth a strong showing at last week’s annual Conservative Political Action Conference, placing fourth in the field just behind Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker placed first and second in the poll, respectively.
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