U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has endorsed North Country congressional candidate Aaron Woolf for Congress in New York’s 21st District.

Meanwhile the current occupant of the seat, Rep. Bill Owens, a Democrat from Plattsburgh, today reaffirmed his endorsement of Aaron Woolf to replace him as the representative of NY-21.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of a member of Congress like Bill Owens,” Woolf said. “He has done a tremendous job working across the aisle in order to benefit the citizens of Upstate New York and the North Country. In Congress, I would seek to walk in the footsteps of Congressman Owens by fighting to expand economic opportunity for the Middle Class; reduce regulations so that our small businesses can compete; and work with the Administration to protect Fort Drum jobs.”

“Upstate New York and the North Country needs a representative with strong ties to the district and the ability to work with both parties,” Owens said. “Aaron Woolf would be that exact type of representative. That is why I endorse him for Congress and believe he is the best candidate in this race. I also find it ironic that his opponent could be so critical of me before I decided not to run, but is now attempting to compliment me.”

“I am honored to be endorsed by New York’s senior senator, Chuck Schumer,” Woolf said. “If elected to Congress, I would fight to protect the rights of our workers and give our citizens and small businesses the tools they need to succeed. I also believe strongly in protecting the rights of women by promoting one of Senator Schumer’s most important bills, the Violence Against Women Act. In Congress, I hope to work with Senator Schumer to strengthen New York, both Upstate and in the North Country.”

Schumer has served the state in Congress since 1980.

“I endorse Aaron Woolf for Congress because of his deep ties to the Twenty-First Congressional District and his commitment to fight for the middle class,” Schumer said. “He knows that to create jobs and strengthen the economy, our workers must be paid a fair wage and small businesses need support to take root and grow. I know that Aaron Woolf will reach across the aisle to get things done, and that he will work as hard as the citizens he’d serve. In Congress, Aaron and I will fight together for New York’s workers, their families, small businesses, family farmers and the jobs they depend on.”