FILE - In this combination of 2018 and 2019 file photos are, from left, Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Republican U.S. Senate candidate John James. James says his campaign raised $4.8 million in the last three months. The fundraising total topped first-term Democratic Sen. Peters despite Peters raising $4 million — his biggest quarterly haul to date. (AP Photos, File)

FILE - In this combination of 2018 and 2019 file photos are, from left, Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Republican U.S. Senate candidate John James. James says his campaign raised $4.8 million in the last three months. The fundraising total topped first-term Democratic Sen. Peters despite Peters raising $4 million — his biggest quarterly haul to date. (AP Photos, File)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Republican challenger John James said Tuesday that he raised $4.8 million in the last three months, again topping Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan despite Peters’ largest quarterly haul to date: $4 million.

James, the president of a Detroit-based automotive logistics company, raised more than the first-term incumbent for the third straight quarter.

“This is a difficult time for Michigan. We are grateful for the support of our grassroots, across Michigan and the country, especially during these past few challenging months,” spokeswoman Abby Walls said as the state continued confronting the coronavirus pandemic .

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Peters said his fundraising was powered by a surge of small-dollar donations, with 94% of all donations at $100 or less. He reported a 60% increase in new donors over the previous quarter .

“We’re so grateful for the overwhelming support our campaign has received from folks across Michigan,” said campaign manager Dan Farough. “As this campaign continues to break records and build momentum from grassroots donors, it’s clear Michiganders want to keep Gary’s effective leadership in the Senate.”

Peters’ camp said it has raised more than $13.4 million since the start of 2019. James, who entered the race last June, reported collecting nearly $13 million.

Neither campaign released how much money it has on hand. The quarter closed a week ago, but campaign finance reports are not due until April 15.

Peters is one of two Democratic senators up for re-election in a state won by President Donald Trump. Outside of Alabama, Michigan may be the GOP’s best opportunity to target an incumbent, though Democrats traditionally have dominated Senate elections in the state.

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