Bloomberg buys ads on Mid-Missouri station

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The newest Democratic presidential candidate is also the first to buy broadcast advertising in Mid-Missouri.

The campaign of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg bought time on the ABC 17 News airwaves Friday worth about $24,0000. The ads were paid for by Mike Bloomberg 2020, Inc., Bloomberg's campaign committee listed on Federal Election Commission paperwork filed Thursday.

Bloomberg's team told The Associated Press on Thursday that a final decision on whether he will run had not been made.

Bloomberg, a former Republican, has a net worth exceeding $50 billion. He has committed to spending more than $100 million to help defeat President Donald Trump in next year's election.

Before Thursday’s federal filing, he had already filed paperwork to qualify for presidential primary ballots in three states.

Bloomberg’s team says he’s stepping toward a run because of the perceived weakness at the top of the current Democratic field, particularly in establishment-favorite former Vice President Joe Biden’s candidacy.

It was not clear Friday whether Bloomberg also bought time on other Mid-Missouri stations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.