Congressman Bill Owens will not seek reelection to the NY-21 District, according to a statement issued on his website.

The announcement comes as Republicans are gearing up for the primary elections.

Elise Stefanik, Willsboro, former St. Lawrence County Emergency Services Director Joseph Gilbert, DeKalb, and Michael F. Ring, Adams Center, are vying for the GOP endorsement.

To date no Democrats have publicly shared plans to run in the primary.

The following statement was released by Owens earlier today.

“After careful thought and consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election for the 21st Congressional District this November. I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel the district, meeting and serving the families and business owners of this vast community. It has truly been a privilege to serve, and I plan on continuing to work for a brighter future for the region.

My appreciation for the support of my wife, children, grandchildren and close friends cannot be sufficiently expressed in words. There are others -- too numerous to list -- to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude. The remainder of my term will be spent in much the same way as the previous four years: assisting constituents with their individual concerns, continuing to focus on passing a Farm Bill, helping to create jobs in our communities, working for our troops and veterans, keeping the northern border secure and fluid and being a voice in Congress for bipartisanship, as well as fact-based decision making.

You can count on me to work with and for you over the remainder of my term.

It is time for me to undertake new endeavors and spend more time with my family. Even though I will not seek re-election, it is my goal that the next phase of my life will continue to focus on helping to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, primarily through job creation and economic development.”

Stefanik, who hopes to replace Owens, offered her best wishes to the outgoing congressman.

"I thank Congressman Owens for his many years of public service. I wish him and his family well as they begin a new chapter of their lives.”