A Hudson Valley congressman who is involved in a very competitive race is backing Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential run. Rep. Pat Ryan was the first member of New York's congressional delegation to call on president Biden to step aside.

In a new statement released over X, formerly known as Twitter, Monday, Rep. Pat Ryan says "Vice President Harris fights for freedom, Trump wants to take it away."

However, some of his voters tell News 12 they feel split on those words.

Rep. Ryan serves in the 18th congressional district, that covers cities like Newburgh, Kingston and Poughkeepsie.

He is part of a very contentious race that could have serious political ramifications in New York and beyond.

He is involved in one of the key contests that could determine the balance of power in the house.

Voters tell News 12 this endorsement for Harris will likely not impact how they vote in the local elections in the Hudson Valley.

"I don't like the fact that it's so divisive, but I do think it will energize people to have an opinion," says one voter.

"I haven't been too big on the local elections, but I do believe we should be doing more voting in the local elections," says Jayson who will be voting in the upcoming elections both locally and nationally.

Ryan's full statement on X:

"Two weeks ago, I said it was time to move forward with a leader who will put country over party; who will give us reason to be hopeful and optimistic about our politics. And who will ensure we decisively defeat Trump and all he stands for. Vice President Harris is a proven champion for reproductive rights. Trump wants to criminalize abortion. Vice President Harris is focused on bringing down costs for Hudson Valley families. Trump wants to gut Social Security and give tax breaks to his billionaire donors. Vice President Harris puts our Veterans first. Trump called my fellow servicemembers “suckers” and “losers.” The choice is clear, and the contrast is stark. Vice President Harris fights for freedom. Trump wants to take it away. Now it’s time for all freedom-loving Americans to unite and rally behind her to win this existential fight for our democracy. Let’s go!!"

Ryan's opponent, Alison Esposito responded to this endorsement with the following statement.

"No matter who heads the Democrat ticket, it will not change the Democrat policies that have made Americans less prosperous, less secure, and less safe. Joe Biden stepping aside will not impact the outcome of our election because Pat Ryan's record of blindly supporting those policies doesn't change. He has failed his constituents by supporting the failed Biden-Harris agenda, which puts Hudson Valley residents last. I am focused on uniting our community and tackling the issues most important to our community. I want to bring down inflation, reduce crime, fight for all American children to have access to quality education and finally secure our southern border, all things Pat Ryan has failed to do."