Here’s how much Democrat James Smith has raised running for SC governor

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful James Smith is touting a more than $525,000 opening fundraising haul in his bid for S.C. governor.

In a news release previewing his fundraising report due Wednesday, the Richland state House representative said he raised most of that money – or 80 percent – in small donations of less than $100.

“I am inspired by the more than 2,400 people that have invested in this campaign in the first three months since we entered the race,” said Smith, who entered the race in September. “I look forward to continuing to share my positive vision for South Carolina over the coming months with voters from all parts of the state.”

Smith and one other Democrat so far, Charleston businessman Phil Noble, are seeking their party’s nomination for governor. Noble’s campaign had not released details of his fundraising as of early afternoon Wednesday.

The winner of June’s Democratic primary will face off against the winner of the Republican primary.

S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster, Mount Pleasant attorney Catherine Templeton, Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant and former state senator and lieutenant governor Yancey McGill are seeking the GOP nomination.

This story was originally published January 10, 2018 at 1:40 PM.