Doug Hoffman, the Conservative congressional candidate who ran against Democrat Rep. Bill Owens in 2009, has endorsed Elise Stefanik R-Willsboro.

The endorsement came just days after Owens announced he would not seek reelection.

Hoffman, a businessman and certified public accountant from Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, is an influential political voice across the district, according to Stefanik.

“I am proud to support Elise and strongly believe she has the work ethic and conservative values to fight in Washington on behalf of the 21st Congressional District. She will bring new ideas, new leadership and fresh energy to representing us in Congress and I believe she can unify voters in the North Country," Hoffman stated. “I am honored to have the chance to introduce her before she addresses the Conservative Party Political Action Conference later this month in Albany.”

“The endorsement and support of Doug Hoffman means a great deal to me. He’s a true common sense conservative Republican in the North Country. He’s been in these fights before and knows exactly what’s at stake in this election,” Stefanik said. “I look forward to speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Albany, and will continue working hard to earn the support of voters throughout the North Country.”

Among other Republicans who have announced their candidacies are former St. Lawrence County Emergency Services Director Joseph Gilbert, DeKalb, and Michael Ring of Adams Center.