NASHVILLE (AP) — 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, so he 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 the tea party-fueled 2010 election. His announcement that he wouldn't seek a fourth term in 2016 surprised many political observers.

In the Republican primary, he faces U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn from suburban Nashville.

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

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