Former State Representative Elizabeth Esty announced that her congressional campaign raised more than $360,000 in the first quarter of 2012—her campaign’s strongest quarter yet. Esty’s campaign has raised more $1.1 million in total from thousands of donors across the 5th District and the country. Esty begins the second quarter of this election year with more than $800,000 cash on hand. The latest numbers show that Esty’s campaign has the resources and the organization to defeat Speaker Donovan in the Democratic primary.

“I’m incredibly honored by the support we’re receiving from thousands of people across Connecticut’s 5th District and the country,” Elizabeth Esty said. “Folks want a strong Democratic candidate who can win the 5th District and bring some common-sense solutions to Washington. They’re tired of political insiders and special interests getting ahead while hard-working families struggle. They’re tired of politicians bickering and finger-pointing when Connecticut workers need good-paying jobs, and they know that we just can’t afford the same old politics from the same old politicians. I’m energized by the overwhelming response we’ve gotten from voters in cities and towns across northwest Connecticut. From now through May, August, and November, I will keep listening to voters and earning their support.”

This latest filing period accounts for funds raised between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2012. The Connecticut primary election for non-presidential contests is August 14.

Elizabeth Esty is a Democrat running for the open seat in Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District. Esty is a community leader, attorney, and mother who has earned a reputation as a tireless, progressive advocate for the middle class.