Freshman Representative Erin Molchany (D-Allegheny) got bumped into long-time Representative Harry Readshaw’s (D-Allegheny) district, thanks to the latest redistricting.

Despite Readshaw’s advantage of experience, and the larger portion of the new district, Molchany inched ahead of her primary opponent in fundraising.

Molchany reported $70,000 cash on hand at the end of last year, compared to Readshaw’s $66,000. It’s not a huge lead, but according to her campaign, she’s built a broad base of support with about 70% of her contributions coming from individual donations of $250 or less.

She’s also gotten financial support from Mayor Bill Peduto, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, City Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak, and Senator Wayne Fontana.

“We’re gonna do what we always do, we’re gonna get our message out to the voters through the election,” Molchany told PoliticsPA. “Every contribution strengthens our ability to do that, so having that fundraising advantage helps us do that. That’s a strength that I have in the race.”

This will likely be a tough battle for the freshman. 72% of voters in the new district are already Readshaw’s, while just 21% live in Molchany’s district.

“I testified at two hearings against the [redistricting] process; the first time I was a citizen, the second time a representative-elect. It is unfortunate the way it panned out,” Molchany said. “I definitely look forward to vigorous debate on the issues.”

Readshaw has held his seat since 1995 and Molchany wasn’t the party’s pick in 2012 when she fought to win her first term. It shows that she’s pulled off an uphill battle before, and her fundraising shows that she’s trying to do it again.

Molchany’s seat, HD-22, moved to Allentown.

*This post originally stated that these were fourth quarter fundraising numbers. State representatives do not file quarterly reports, and the article has been corrected to reflect this