How do New York congressional candidates stack up financially?

It’s only January, but politicians are already gearing up for the upcoming congressional elections this fall.

In New York’s District 10, incumbent Rep. Edolphus Towns will look to defend his seat against New York State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries. As of right now, Towns, according to OpenSecrets.org, raised $331,762 for his war chest but has spent the majority of that money already. Jeffries has raised $173,973 and spent only $14,928.

In addition to having more of his cash raised on hand, Jeffries was endorsed last week by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500, the largest grocery workers union in New York State.

“We are excited and proud to endorse Hakeem Jeffries to be the next congressman from Brooklyn’s 10th Congressional District,” said UFCW 1500 President Bruce W. Both. “As a New York State assemblyman, Hakeem stood side by side with our members and fought on our behalf as we worked to pass the New York State Wage Theft Prevention Act in 2010, a bill that provides workers in New York State protections against irresponsible employers who fail to pay their workers.

“As a member of Congress, our union is confident that Hakeem will bring leadership, innovative thinking and a progressive mind to a legislative body crying out for civility and common sense.”

Uptown in Harlem, Rep. Charles Rangel looks to keep a stranglehold on his congressional seat in New York’s 15th District. According to OpenSecrets.org, as of Sept. 30, 2011, Rangel’s raised $652,485 and spent about $411,443 of that money already. The majority of his campaign money up to that point came from individual contributions (73 percent).

Rangel challenger Vincent Morgan has raised only $74,220 and has spent close to half of that already. It’s an uphill battle for Morgan, who is running against Rangel’s storied career, but stranger things have happened in politics.

“I am running for Congress to lead and to restore faith in our government with honesty and integrity,” said Morgan in a statement on his campaign page. “I will work hard to bring our wonderfully diverse district together around common goals. I want to create opportunities for everyone and bring hope to those who feel they have been left behind. The time for new ideas and renewed energy is long overdue.”

Rangel’s other opponent, Clyde Williams, hadn’t reported any campaign contribution as of Sept. 30, 2011.