By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — Reshma Saujani's campaign claimed Monday that it had raised more money for her primary race than incumbent Rep. Carolyn Maloney in the first quarter of the year as the contentious battle for a congressional seat continued to heat up.
Saujani banked a total of $401,830 in the last quarter, of which $393,330 of the donations was given to her to specifically help with the primary race, according to the campaign.
The campaign also touted that it was the second quarter in a row that Saujani had raised more than $400,000. They pointed out Saujani wasn't taking donations from private interest groups, known as PACs.
Maloney, however, continues to have more cash on hand for the primary battle, with $2 million at her disposal compared to Saujani's $693,190.
Congresswoman Maloney raised $475,000 last quarter. $390,000 was given for the primary race against Saujani, the New York Post reported.
Saujani's momentum in fundraising will make it easier for her to be competitive in the race and have an agressive operation, said James Allen, spokesman for the campaign.
The $400,000 were donated by just over 800 constituents, signalling Saujani's widespread support among regular voters, he added.
Maloney has also targeted small-dollar donors and recovered from a difficult fourth-quarter where she dealt with her husband's death.
The financial disclosures came as the Congresswoman received the endorsement of AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes Monday.
The union's get-out-the-vote effort will help Maloney reach voters on Primary day, said Brian Krapf, spokesman for the campaign.
"It's going to be a full-on coordination with the AFL-CIO to get Carolyn re-elected," Krapf said.
Hughes commended Maloney for her leadership on health care legislation and bringing coverage to 9/11 first responders.
Maloney's campaign estimates there are 52,000 AFL-CIO members in the district.
