Republican state Assemblyman Colin Schmitt has launched his campaign for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The assemblyman made the announcement outside of Montgomery Village Hall this afternoon.

Schmitt says there needs to be better leadership for the state's 18th Congressional District, promising to be a strong voice for the Hudson Valley.

He pointed a finger at incumbent Democratic Rep. Sean Maloney -- calling him a "blind" follower of Nancy Pelosi.

If elected, Schmitt says his focus will be on jobs, repealing the SALT deduction cap and backing law enforcement.

Maloney will be up for re-election next year.

Rep. Maloney hopes he will get reelected for a sixth term, touting a record that includes securing millions of dollars to his district through the American Rescue Plan, protecting the Hudson River by banning oil barges and serving veterans.

A handful of constituents are calling on Schmitt to resign in connection to January’s insurrection. after he spoke to a bus of people heading to Washington, D.C.

Schmitt once again defended his actions on that morning, saying he spoke to a faith-based organization about state legislation.