Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Steve BullockCourt removes Pendley from role as public lands chief On The Trail: Making sense of this week's polling tsunami McConnell locks down key GOP votes in Supreme Court fight MORE raised nearly $2.3 million for his presidential bid in the third fundraising quarter, his campaign said on Friday.

Bullock’s fundraising haul falls short of most of the other candidates who have announced their third-quarter totals so far. But it’s higher than that of at least one of his rivals, Sen. Michael Bennet Michael Farrand BennetOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency Next crisis, keep people working and give them raises MORE (D-Colo.), who announced this week that he pulled in $2.1 million over the past three months.

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It’s also an improvement over his second-quarter total of roughly $2 million. Ninety-seven percent of contributions to Bullock’s campaign were $200 or less, and the average donation size was $24, according to his campaign.

“Our growing grassroots support helps us build a robust campaign to compete in early states like Iowa and beyond,” Jenn Ridder, Bullock’s campaign manager, said in a statement.

“With a doubling of our individual contributions — and an average online contribution of just $24 — it’s clear that Governor Bullock’s message of progressive reform is resonating with grassroots supporters across the country. This campaign is built to go the distance, which is why Governor Bullock will continue fighting for his vision of an America where everyone has a fair shot at a better life.”

Bullock’s bid for the Democratic nomination has struggled to gain traction since he announced his campaign in May. He didn't make the stage for the presidential debate in September, and didn't qualify for October's debate either.

His polling numbers have hovered in the low single digits for months and his fundraising has lagged far behind that of the primary field’s top-tier.

Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSirota reacts to report of harassment, doxing by Harris supporters Republicans not immune to the malady that hobbled Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (I-Vt.), one of the candidates at the front of the pack, announced this week that he raised $25.3 million in the third quarter of the year. Another front-runner, Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass.), said on Friday that she raised $24.6 million.

South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBillionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November Buttigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice MORE brought in $19.1 million in the third quarter, while former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenFormer Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick Bloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida MORE, who has long led the pack in public polls, raised $15.2 million, according to his campaign.

Bullock’s campaign announced earlier this week that he would seek public funds for his campaign, becoming the first candidate to do so this cycle. But accepting public funds is something of a double-edged sword. One on hand, it would inject much-needed cash into Bullock’s campaign. On the other, it would limit the amount he can spend in the race.

There’s one other problem for Bullock. The Federal Election Commission has to approve Bullock’s application to receive public campaign financing, and the commission does not currently have enough members to hold a meeting or vote on such a matter.

The commission needs at least one more member to have a quorum, and there is one nominee awaiting confirmation. The Senate, however, traditionally confirms two nominees at a time.