NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) U.S. Reps. Jim Himes and Elizabeth Esty have raised far more than their Republican rivals, each pulling in more than $1 million for this year's election.

But the GOP vows the races will be highly competitive as they try to break the Democratic lock on Congress in Connecticut.

Himes raised about $1.2 million by the end of the year, compared with $303,000 by Republican Dan Debicella. Esty raised $1.1 million, compared with $325,000 by Republican Mark Greenberg, including a loan to himself of $130,500.

Debicella, a former state senator who lost to Himes in 2010 for the Fairfield County seat, said he only began fundraising about three months ago and is well ahead of his pace last time. He said he expects to raise about $2 million to $3 million.