Representative Loretta Sanchez, a California Democrat running for Sen. Barbara Boxer's seat in the upper house, is facing an uphill battle to gather money to fund the upcoming Democratic primary battle against California attorney general Kamala Harris.

Rep. Sanchez announced her intention to run for Sen. Boxer's seat last week, pitting herself against heavyweight state attorney general Harris. Rep. Sanchez has been in the House since the mid-1990s, making her one of the most senior Latino lawmakers. However, this may not be enough to persuade Latino donors to back her primary campaign.

The National Journal reports Latino donors from around the country have to pick which campaigns to back and make a significant difference.

"There's a finite pool of money out there, and I think it's a calculation that everyone is kind of looking at in this race on the Latino side of the political community," a source close to Congressional Hispanic Caucus told the National Journal under condition of anonymity.

"There is the potential for anywhere between five to nine credible Latino candidates in swing districts as well as in safe seats that are opening up. So there's a lot of different calculations the caucus is going to have to do to be supportive of their colleague, while at the same time covering those House members they want to bring in or protect."

Harris, who has served as California attorney general since 2011, enjoys widespread support and could likely win in 2016. A Field Poll found that, aside from the majority of undecided voters, Harris won a favorable rating of 19 percent, reports the San Jose Mercury News. Most of those interviewed, around 58 percent, said they were still undecided. Rep. Sanchez only earned 8 percent.

"There are substantial leaders within the Hispanic community who would like to see her run, national locally and statewide," said campaign chair Wylie Aitken before she joined the race. However, with only half a million dollars in her campaign coffers, Rep. Sanchez will need funds to push on ahead of the primary.

"We're certainly going to reach out to the Latino community in California and all across the country, as well as the groups, but we're going to have to work really hard to raise the money, and it will have to come from sources all over the place," explained Bill Carrick, one of Rep. Sanchez's advisors.

Harris has already gained the backing of prominent Latinos, according to the Los Angeles Times. She is being backed by Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, Assemblyman Jose Medina (D-Riverside), San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera and former state Democratic Chairman Art Torres.

Races in swing states across the country could mean Latino donors may leave Rep. Sanchez behind. One in Nevada could prove far more crucial than the California race.

Sen. Harry Reid announced earlier this year he would not run for his Senate seat again, leaving the possibility for Republicans to take the long-held Democratic spot. Democrats have put forward former state attorney general Catherine Cortez Masto, who announced her candidacy in April, reported the Washington Post.

Having already been backed by Sen. Reid and others, Cortez Masto's race may prove more important for both Latinos and the Democratic Part than Rep. Sanchez's bid.

However, for some a Latino running may prove more important than one winning. The National Journal explains Rep. Sanchez may get some backing even if it is not enough to win.

"We love that we have a member of Bold PAC running, we have a process, but personally ... I think it looks really good for us to support her," said Democratic Rep. Tony Cardenas, who runs BOLD PAC, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' fundraising arm. "California's got more Latino voters than any other state in the nation, and I think it's a great opportunity for Latino donors to get behind a good Latina candidate and see history being made."