Ann Kirkpatrick, one of five Democrats vying to unseat Congresswoman Martha McSally next year, has raised $350,000 since entering the race two months ago.

Team Kirkpatrick boasted that the "haul is a record-breaking amount for a Democratic challenger in Arizona in an off-year third quarter."

Kirkpatrick, who previously represented Congressional District 1 until last year (when she stepped down to unsuccessfully challenge Sen. John McCain), will report more than $270,000 cash on hand when she files her FEC report, according to Team Kirkpatrick.

"I am humbled by the outpouring of support, especially from grassroots donors in the first months of the campaign," said Kirkpatrick. "I am ready to hold Martha McSally accountable for her reckless vote for the deadly Republican health care repeal that would kick more than 400,000 Arizonans off of their health coverage. Southern Arizona deserves better."

The news is yet another sign that the battle over Southern Arizona highly competitive Congressional District will be a hard-fought race. The DCCC announced early this week that it would launch a TV and radio campaign tagging McSally over her health care vote. In addition, House Speaker Paul Ryan's Super PAC, the Congressional Leadership Fund, has set up office in Tucson to boost McSally's fortunes.

Kirkpatrick, who recently landed the endorsement of former member of Congress Gabby Giffords and her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly,  is vying against fellow Democrats Matt Heinz, Mary Matiella, Bruce Wheeler and Billy Kovacs for the Democratic nomination in next year's primary.

All five Democrats are scheduled to attend a forum at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at Rincon High School. I will be moderating the panel.