Just a few weeks after announcing his campaign for Congress, Republican Richard Tisei has reason to smile - as well as an impressive pile of money, for a Republican running in a largely Democratic district.

The former State Senate minority leader and lieutenant governor candidate, who announced his candidacy for the state's 6th District congressional seat in mid-November, raked in $305,000 in the last seven weeks of 2011, according to a report by Roll Call.

Both Hamilton and Wenham are in the 6th District.

Tisei, who has a long history in Massachusetts politics and a track record as a heavyweight fundraiser, will run in the Republican primary for the chance to take on Conressman John Tierney, a Democrat from Salem, in the general election this fall.

The only other announced Republican candidate is Bill Hudak of Boxford, who lost to Tierney in November 2010.

Born in Somerville and raised in Wakefield, Tisei served in the state legislature for more than 30 years and ran as Charlie Baker's running mate in 2010 when Baker ran for governor but was defeated by incumbent Gov. Deval Patrick. Tisei  announced his candidacy for Congress in November.