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 "I'm willing to be part of the equation and, therefore, I'm
announcing my candidacy for president of the United States of
America," Carson said in an interview with CBS affiliate WPEC-TV in
West Palm Beach, Florida.
Carson, 63, who is popular with the conservative Tea Party movement,
is expected to formally declare his candidacy at an event in Detroit
on Monday.
He would be the first African-American to enter the growing
Republican field for the party's presidential nomination next year.
“Many people have suggested to me that I should run for president,
even though I’m not a politician,” said Carson, who has never before
sought elective office.
The first doctor to successfully separate twins conjoined at the
head, Carson developed a conservative following in 2013 after he
advocated a flat tax, private medical savings accounts and other
conservative policies at a National Prayer Breakfast speech that was
attended by President Barack Obama.
Senators Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul of
Kentucky have already entered the Republican presidential race.
Former Hewlett Packard Co Chief Executive Officer Carly Fiorina is
expected to declare her candidacy in an online announcement on
Monday. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will make an
announcement on Tuesday about his plans. He also ran for the
nomination in 2008.
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Other potential Republican candidates include former Florida
Governor Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and New Jersey
Governor Chris Christie.
Among Democrats, former Senator and Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton is considered the front-runner for the party's presidential
nomination. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont entered
the Democratic race last week.
(Reporting by Peter Cooney; Editing by Paul Simao and Phil
Berlowitz)
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reserved.]
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