LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Charles Booker's exploratory committee has raised over $500,000 from more than 17,000 contributions for a potential U.S. Senate campaign, the former state representative announced in a release Wednesday morning.

According to the release, the majority of the contributions came from grassroots donors giving small amounts of money online with an average contribution of $28.80. 

“I’m humbled and honored to see so many people across Kentucky and across America chipping in because of a shared belief in a better future,” said Booker. “About 75% of Rand Paul’s campaign money comes from corporate PAC’s, rich people, and big business. Our movement is about the people, which is why I’m proud to say our average contribution is just over $28. It’s clear to me that there’s incredible enthusiasm across Kentucky for our vision, and today’s numbers show that if we run, we would have the resources needed to win."

Booker announced the formation of the exploratory committee to consider a campaign against Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., just over one month ago on April 12. 

While he hasn't officially announced his candidacy, Booker said he's "strongly considering" a run for the Senate in 2022 during an appearance on Kentucky Education Television (KET) in March. He also held a rally with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in Louisville earlier this month.

The Louisville native gained significant momentum during his bid for Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat, but his run was cut short after he lost the primary to Amy McGrath, who then lost to McConnell in the general election.

Before running for McConnell's seat, Booker served one term in the Kentucky House of Representatives.