PRIORITIES

If elected, Hoffman said bringing new jobs to the district, ensuring border security, improving health care and preserving Fort Drum in Watertown would be among his priorities.

The seat is expected to become vacant later this summer when John McHugh is confirmed as the new secretary of the Army.

McHugh, a Republican who has held the seat in the 23rd District since 1993, was selected for the post by President Barack Obama earlier this month.

GOP CHOICE

Republicans have held the seat in the 23rd District since the Civil War era.

James Ellis, GOP chairman in Franklin County, said the party will hold four regional meetings this summer to discuss who their candidate will be and make a selection.

Hoffman said he believes he can appeal to all the party chairs.

“It is important to select a candidate who is compatible with the entire district and someone who can bring the vote out,” he said.

So far, Paul Maroun, a Franklin County legislator from Tupper Lake, is the only Republican to officially announce his candidacy besides Hoffman.

Several more are expected to join the race in the next few weeks.

DEMOCRAT ANNOUNCES

Democrats, riding the wave of momentum generated by Obama’s victory last year, a win in the Republican-dominated 20th Congressional District in a special election earlier this year and statewide success in recent elections, are also lining up for a chance to run for the seat.