NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP-Jan., 4, 2108) — Republican hopeful Stephen Fincher says he raised $1.45 million in about two months for his bid to succeed Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker.

A campaign news release Thursday says the former congressman had more than $2.3 million in his federal campaign account before the October-through-December fundraising quarter and entered 2018 with $3.7 million cash on hand.

Fincher, a 44-year-old rural western Tennessee farmer, announced his bid in late October.

Fincher was elected to the U.S. House in 2010 and did not seek a fourth term in 2016.

In the Republican primary, he faces U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn from suburban Nashville. She reported $3.2 million cash in her House account through September.

The Democratic primary path appears clear for former Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Corker announced Sept. 26 he wouldn’t seek re-election.