Conservative grassroots darling Dr. Ben Carson is formally exploring a bid for president in 2016, the Wall Street Journalreports.
Carson, a former neurosurgeon and author, has formed an official committee to raise money for a potential campaign. Although he has no experience as an elected politician—or perhaps because of it—he has already won the favor of some conservative voters; at last week’s Conservative Political Action Conference, Carson ranked fourth in the straw poll.
The Gifted Hands author has also made a number of strategic hires as of late, picking up staff members for a potential campaign in early caucus states like South Carolina and Iowa.
Peter Dudziak of John, Minnesota attends CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2014.Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMENine year old Thomas H. from Virginia at his first CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2015.Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMESarah Palin at the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at National Harbor, MD on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEDr. Ben Carson gives a speech to open Thursday's session at CPAC in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMETimothy Flynn from New York City poses in an American flag jacket at CPAC in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMERick Santorum takes a selfie with a supporter at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEA Rand Paul supporter at CPAC in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMERand Paul speaks at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2015.Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMESen. Ted Cruz shakes hands with a Sarah Palin supporter at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEA reporter asks attendees to choose their favorite candidate at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMECPAC attendees listen to Donald Trump in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2015.Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEJeb Bush speaks at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2015.Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMENew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gives a thumb's up at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEA supporter poses with a life-size cutout of Rand Paul at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEWisconsin Governor Scott Walker at CPAC in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMERetired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson greets supporters at CPAC in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEFormer Republican Governor of Texas Rick Perry at CPAC in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEButtons for past Republican campaigns on display at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMESupporters watch Rand Paul speak at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2015.Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEDonald Trump signs a Playboy magazine at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2015.Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEAttendees applaud at CPAC in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 27, 2015.Mark Peterson—Redux for TIMEAn empty room ready for the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIME
