A person close to Caruso-Cabrera said she raised over $1 million during her first 47 days in the race, a substantial sum that is expected to be reflected in finance reports to be filed next week.

“Michelle is one of the most qualified and competent candidates we have met with this cycle. Her communication skills on jobs and growth will create a clear contrast with AOC,” said Scott Reed, the senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We plan on using our national network to get her the financial resources to win this race.”

An Ocasio-Cortez spokesperson declined to comment.

Caruso-Cabrera has met several times with top officials at the Chamber and was supposed to speak at the organization’s political advocacy committee later this month, which had to be postponed due to the coronavirus.

The challenger has tapped several high-profile New York City-based political strategists, including E. O'Brien Murray, Hank Sheinkopf and Doug Schoen. Schoen served as a pollster for former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

Caruso-Cabrera faces an uphill fight, however. The 30-year-old Ocasio-Cortez is a prolific fundraiser, bringing in over $5 million last year. In 2018, she unseated longtime Queens Democratic boss Joe Crowley in a major upset.

Earlier this year, the Chamber backed Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) against a liberal primary challenger who had Ocasio-Cortez’s backing. Cuellar won the election.