Democratic U.S. House hopeful Brendan Mullen beat Republican hopeful Jackie Walorski in fundraising in the first quarter of the year, aided by contributions from political action committees.

According to campaign finance reports due Sunday with the Federal Election Commission, Mullen generated $242,113.31 in net contributions in the first three months of 2012 compared to $211,009.50 for Walorski. They’re both vying for the state’s District 2 U.S. House of Representatives seat, which covers Elkhart and St. Joseph counties and all or parts of several other north central Indiana counties.

Mullen, of South Bend, said in a press release Monday that his first-quarter haul was the largest of all Indiana congressional races.

“We are building a grassroots campaign to take on special interests and overcome partisan finger-pointing to solve the tough problems that face our state, our country and to create good jobs,” he said. The hopeful is a U.S. Army veteran who now runs a consulting firm.

Of Mullen’s donations, $139,361.11 came from individuals and another $99,352.20 came from PACS and political party committees. Walorski, a former state lawmaker from the Jimtown area, had more in individual contributions than Mullen, $154,959.50, and less in PAC and political party donations, $56,050.

Walorski spokesman Brooks Kochvar noted Mullen’s larger take from PACS and political parties, criticizing him for having to rely “on his friends in Washington to support his campaign.” He also pointed out that Walorski still has the overall fundraising lead and more money in the bank.

Walorski, who’s been formally campaigning longer than the Democrat, has drummed up $800,165.93 in all during the election cycle compared to $547,594.08 for Mullen. The Republican announced her candidacy March 22, 2011, while the Democrat formally jumped in three-plus months later on July 12.

Here are some other points:

• As of March 31, Walorski had more funds left over to spend, $565,803.28 compared to $450,085.93 for Mullen.

• Walorski has spent more throughout the campaign, $387,418.14 compared to $96,775.15 by Mullen.

• Greg Andrews, a South Bend physician running as a Republican, has drummed up $7,414 in campaign funds through the election cycle and had $2,733 available as of March 31, according to the FEC.

• Andrew Straw, a Goshen lawyer running as a Green Party hopeful, has generated $13,581.65 in contributions throughout his campaign and had $51.01 on hand as of March 31.

• Dan Morrison, a sales manager at an Elkhart County recreational vehicle manufacturer running as a Democrat, had reported no contributions.

The primary vote is May 8.