Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson has created an exploratory committee to run for US president, becoming the first Republican candidate to formally enter the 2016 presidential contest.
Committee chairman Terry Giles has confirmed the creation of a committee that allows the conservative favourite to begin raising money for a presidential campaign.
Carson, a newcomer to politics, quickly developed a devoted conservative following after criticising President Barack Obama's health care law at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast.
Supporters have since launched a draft committee that raised millions of dollars to promote Carson's bid.
He is expected to be the only African-American candidate in the Republican race among more than a dozen candidates considering campaigns.
