Republican Congressional candidate John Katko has received the backing of Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney.

Mahoney, also a Republican, announced her endorsement of Katko in his effort to unseat Democrat Dan Maffei in the 24th Congressional District race Friday at a press conference.

“John Katko and I know that there is no Republican way to be a public servant, and there is no Democratic way,” Mahoney said. “There’s only the right way, and that’s doing what’s best for the people of Central New York, regardless of politics. “Just as Jim Walsh worked with colleagues of both parties to bring about the cleanup of Onondaga Lake, John Katko will reach across the aisle to get things done for our community. If we want to change the gridlock in Washington then we need to elect someone like John.”

Katko said he was honored to have Mahoney’s support.

“In Congress, I pledge to work alongside her to continue the work she has done on a local level to bring real change for Central New York,” he said. “Dan Maffei can’t change Washington because he is Washington. It’s time to give someone else a shot.”