Latest: Bernie Sanders raises more than $1 million in under 4 hours

Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont has raised more than $1 million for his 2020 presidential campaign in less than four hours, his team confirmed, putting him well ahead of other contenders who launched their bids with strong financial support.

Sanders, formally joined the presidential race Tuesday morning, He intends to win the Democratic nomination and the White House next year.

“We’re gonna win,” he said . In his second run, Sanders is vowing to launch a grassroots movement that will “lay the groundwork for transforming the economic and political life of this country.”

An aide confirmed Tuesday morning that Sanders had easily raised more than $1 million in the first three and a half hours since the senator launched his campaign at 7 a.m. ET.

One senior aide who confirmed the sum added at around 7 a.m. PT, “And California is just getting up.”

A full campaign finance report won’t be available until later this year to independently verify the amount raised. But if true, the haul puts Sanders well ahead of other contenders who raised big money after their announcements.