Cory Booker poll numbers indicate that he will win Senate seat

Newark Mayor Cory Booker. PHOTO/File

Cory Booker raised US$4.6 million for his U.S. Senate campaign in the past three months—a significant showing of financial strength with the Democratic special election primary just over a month away.

The Newark, N.J., mayor ended June with US$4.5 million in the bank, according to his campaign, giving him a significant amount of cash to spend as he competes in a crowded Democratic primary to replace the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died last month.

The news comes one day after a Quinnipiac Poll found Booker with a major lead over his rivals in the August 13 primary.

The poll of Democratic voters found Booker with 50 percent support, compared to 10 percent support for Rep. Frank Pallone, 8 percent for Rep. Rush Holt and 3 percent for state Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver. According to the poll, 26 percent of voters remain undecided in the race.

While Booker has long been considered the frontrunner, Pallone is a formidable fundraiser who could make up last-minute ground in the race. Two days ago, he picked up the endorsement of the Lautenberg family, who likened the Democratic congressman to their dad.

Booker appears to be getting strong support from out-of-state donors. According to his campaign, 7,000 donors gave to his campaign, with only 2,027 coming from New Jersey.

While his Democratic rivals have yet to announce their fundraising totals, Booker so far is the only candidate running statewide television ads in the race.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press