Support for Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney is expanding in the state Legislature ahead of his Aug. 23 primary with the endorsement of state Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick.

Maloney is being challenged this month for the Democratic nomination in a Hudson Valley congressional seat by one of Reichlin-Melnick's colleagues in Albany, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi.

“Elijah has spent his entire career trying to make things better for folks here in the Hudson Valley and I am thrilled to have his support,” Maloney said. “From rising stars like Senator Reichlin-Melnick to long-time leaders in Albany like Pete Harckham, Ken Zebrowksi, and Sandy Galef, our campaign has support from leaders all across the district, which will be essential to winning this election.”

Maloney was previously endorsed by a slate of Hudson Valley lawmakers that includes state Sen. Pete Harckham, Assemblyman Chris Burdick, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski.

“At a time when our democracy and our constitutional rights are under relentless attack from the far right, we need a congressman with a proven track record of taking on Republicans and winning," Reichlin-Melnick said. "Sean Patrick Maloney has shown he can win the tough races, and I know he is the best person to keep this seat Democratic in November and maintain our majority in the House of Representatives. The stakes couldn’t be higher.”