Alan Khazei, co-founder of the nonprofit group City Year and a prominent advocate of national service, announced yesterday that he has raised more than $1-million in his bid to succeed the late Mass. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Only one other candidate,Martha Coakley, the state’s attorney general, has raised more, according to The Boston Globe. Ms. Coakley has received more than $2-million.

Mr. Khazei raised the money in about two weeks thanks to a group of supporters who gave $5,000 each, says The Globe. He has also raised significant sums through house parties and online giving.

The fund-raising success establishes Mr. Khazei, less well-known than some of his rivals, as a competitive candidate, The Globe and other newspapers said.

The special election to replace Sen. Kennedy takes place on December. 8.