Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell, D-Theresa, has been endorsed by the New York State AFL-CIO as she seeks re-election to her 116th “River District” seat in the New York State Assembly.

"Together we have worked on a number of issues important to the working men and women of New York State. At a time when it is under attack, you have demonstrated you will fight to defend and strengthen the middle class," New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento wrote in a letter announcing the union's endorsement.

The district includes all St. Lawrence County townships along the St. Lawrence River plus Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, Rossie, Macomb, and DePeyster, and part of Jefferson County including Watertown.

Russell said the focus of her work in Albany is to fight for legislation that supports working men and women in the North Country.

"As the seventh generation of a family that has called the North Country home, I understand the challenges facing the working men and women that live here," she said.

“I'm proud to stand with the members of organized labor to fight for good jobs that you can build a life on. Our workers deserve to be treated fairly for an honest day's work. We have many great employers in the region, and I'm working to keep them and bring more here that understand and appreciate the value of our work force's dedication and skills," Russell said.

The New York State AFL-CIO represents 2.5 million workers.

Assemblywoman Russell has already been endorsed by the local arm of the AFL-CIO, the North Country Central Trades Council.

John Byrne of Cape Vincent recently won the Republican primary for the right to be on the ballot on the GOP line. He already holds the Conservative, Independence and Reform parties’ nominations.

Byrne lost narrowly to Russell two years ago when he held the lead until absentee ballots were counted then.