New York City businesses owner and Democrat Aaron Woolf will not seek a second run for congress after being defeated by Elise Stefanik R-NY for the 21st Congressional District, but says he will continue to fight for upstate New York.

“As many of you know, I’ve spent much of the last few months meeting with supporters and traveling the region as I weighed a 2016 campaign for Congress in the 21st congressional district,” he said in a released statement. “While it’s an honor to even be considered, I want you to be among the first to know that I’ve decided against a run for Congress in 2016.”

In his release, Woolf says he still intends to fight for the North Country.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean our fight to keep Upstate New York moving forward is over. Far from it. I intend to stay deeply involved in this effort – but, for now, as a member of our community, rather than a candidate for public office,” the release said.

Woolf also offered appreciation to his supporters.

“I’m grateful to each and every one of you who stood by me in the last election. Around here, nothing gets done without a little help from the neighbors, whether you’re fixing a tractor, plowing a driveway, or, from time to time, running for Congress,” he said. “That’s the North Country I know, and I’m proud to call it home.”