WASHINGTON— Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson has created an exploratory committee to run for president, becoming the first high-profile Republican candidate to formally enter the 2016 presidential contest.
Carson, the only African-American expected to enter the race, rose to national prominence after criticizing President Obama’s health care law at the 2013 National Prayer breakfast. He quickly developed a loyal following among the GOP’s most conservative voters.
‘‘Obviously, this is a very big step,’’ committee chairman Terry Giles said. ‘‘Today we begin the formal process of exploring whether or not Ben can win the presidency.’’
In the eyes of the law, there is little difference between a presidential campaign committee and an exploratory committee, which allows Carson to begin raising money for a White House bid.
Carson, 63, becomes the first in a large group of Republicans expected to enter the 2016 election.
Several high-profile Republicans have acted like candidates in recent weeks. The group includes former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who created a political action committee in January. Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin created a similar organization. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina recently launched a ‘‘testing the waters committee.’’
Meanwhile, former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley said Tuesday that he will not seek the Senate seat of retiring Senator Barbara Mikulski, keeping open his option of running for president in a Democratic primary likely to include Hillary Rodham Clinton.