New York’s U.S. senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both Democrats, have endorsed Mike Derrick, D-Peru, in his run for the North Country’s 21st Congressional District seat in the House of Representatives.

“Mike Derrick is the kind of leader that sees a problem and immediately seeks a solution,” Sen. Schumer said.

“Not only will Mike be a champion for working families and the middle class, but we need an Army colonel fighting for Fort Drum,” Schumer said.

“We don’t have enough veterans in Congress, and as someone who put his life on the line to preserve our freedoms, Mike Derrick will bring his patriotism and a lifetime of service to Congress. He did it in the Army, he does it every day for his family, and he’ll do it for every family in the North Country at their representative in Congress,” Schumer said.

“I really believe in Mike as a candidate, and I believe in his core values,” Sen. Gillibrand said.

“Mike is running in the region I served in the House of Representatives, and that district is near and dear to my heart. Mike grew up there, his family lives there, and no matter where he was stationed in the military, he managed to maintain life-long ties and never forgot where he was from. He has demonstrated his support for women’s issues his entire career, and most importantly to me, Mike supports my efforts to eliminate sexual assault in the military. He’s the kind of leader I know I’ll be able to work with,” Gillibrand said.

“To have the support of New York’s two U.S. Senators is an honor and privilege,” Derrick said in an announcement accompanying the senators’ endorsement message.

“I respect and admire what they do for New York, and I look forward to working with them to fight for the priorities and best interests of this district’s families, protect this beautiful place we call home, and achieve the promise and potential of the North Country,” Derrick said.

He is running against first-term Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello of Glens Falls, who also ran for the spot two years ago.