BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Democratic side of the race for the 27th Congressional District went from five to three Monday as Joan Elizabeth Seamans and Tom Casey ended their campaigns.

The announcements come after Democratic Party leaders of the eight counties in the district endorsed Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray last Thursday.

"It's exciting. It's an honor. It's also a big responsibility when you have that many people who believe in you, and want you to do well," McMurray said. 

Seamans said in a statement that the people of Western New York must remain a priority and that a Democratic Primary would only divide them.

A representative for Casey told Spectrum News he will support McMurray.

McMurray says his focus remains on incumbent Chris Collins, and looking at ways to improve the district.

"I want people's families to stay together. I want people to stay in this region, to be proud of it, to have opportunities to go to school, to learn, to work and have their own families grow in Western New York," McMurray said.

Collins has taken on gun rights in Washington.

Last year, he introduced the Second Amendment Guarantee Act, which would negate much of New York's SAFE Act.

McMurray also describes himself as a supporter of the Second Amendment, but he says the country needs to be able to respond to clear problems like school shootings.

"I believe in keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, and there's got to be a better way to do that. If you're also slashing aid to research of mental health, if you are cutting ways to research the link between gun violence and mental health, you can't just say it's a mental health issue. What are you doing to improve mental health? What are you doing to study the issue? The answer is nothing," McMurray said.

While McMurray secured support from party bosses, a primary win is no certainty.

Sean Bunny declined an interview, but campaign spokesman Dan McNamara told Spectrum News he was knocking on doors and raising money Monday, and intends on staying in the race through the primary.

Nick Stankevich's staff declined comment on the campaign.

As for Congressman Collins, his campaign released this statement:

"The Democrat’s silly season is just getting started and we’re looking forward to watching the remaining candidates out-progressive each other until the true Cuomo-candidate prevails. Meanwhile, Chris Collins has delivered historic tax cuts and will continue working with President Trump to keep our economy growing."