Ben Carson, a famous pro-life pediatric neurosurgeon and conservative politician, may announce his bid for the Republican nomination in a 40 minute-long ad that will air this weekend.
The ad, which is titled "A Breath of Fresh Air: A New Prescription for America" will air in 22 states and Washington, DC, and will give insight into Carson's family life and ambitions, confirms ABC News. It will also document how he rose from a child living in the slums of Detroit to becoming director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins for almost 40 years.
Carson made headlines last year after announcing his support for private health care and flat tax in a politically charged speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. He is also staunchly pro-life, stating that there is a "war on babies" perpetuated through abortion.
"You know, there are those of us in this society who have told women that there's a war on them because that cute little baby inside of them, they may want to get rid of it and there are people that are keeping you from doing that," Carson continued. "And women say, 'No, no, they're not doing that to me! No!' And they get all riled up."
The 63 year old surgeon is also a devout Christian, often calling his relationship with Christ "the most important thing."
"The most important thing for me is having a relationship with God. To know that the owner, the creator of the universe loves you, sent His Son to die for your sins; that's very empowering. Knowing Him and knowing that He loves me gives me encouragement and confidence to move forward."
Carson has said in the past that he will leave his political ambitions "up to God," but his supporters, mainly comprised of Christian conservatives, are actively working to ensure he has a strongly run campaign through an unaffiliated political action committee called "The National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee."
Since the committee's founding in August of 2013, it has raised over $10.5 million, which is an "impressive donation figure for unaffiliated PAC," writes the AP.
"Dr. Carson's mission shines a light on the long forgotten roots of freedom," reads a statement on the organization's website.
"He will be that person who can awaken in Americans a better understanding of why adherence to our Constitution has historically allowed for greater freedom, opportunity and prosperity than any other kind of government has ever provided."
Conservative leaders hope that Carson, an African-American, may help the party gain more black voters. In the 2010 midterms, the GOP got about 9 percent of the black vote, according to exit poll data analyzed by The Washington Post. In the 2012 presidential race, they got 6 percent, and in the 2014 midterms they got 10 percent.
However, those numbers may skyrocket, says Sen. Rand Paul (R) of Kentucky, as Carson could attract up to 30 percent of the African-American vote.
