Rep. Andy Patrick, R-Hilton Head, and the only candidate in the 1st Congressional race with ties to the area, received endorsements today from Hilton Head Island Mayor Drew Laughlin and Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of these two devoted mayors," Patrick said in a statement. "Mayor Sulka and Mayor Laughlin are committed to Beaufort County and the improvement of our community. They have done terrific work at the local level, showing that conservative principles are the pathway to success. I look forward to working with them as our community’s next congressman to help better Beaufort County and bring Lowcountry values to our nation’s capitol."

Sulka said she has known Patrick for years and admires his conservative principles, while Laughlin said Patrick knows the values of smaller government and fiscal responsibility.

"I have no doubt that Andy will bring those same values with him to Washington as our next congressman," Laughlin said.

Patrick is in his second term in the S.C. House of Representatives. Prior to his election to the South Carolina State House, Patrick founded a security business, Advance Point Global.

A former Secret Service agent, Patrick his wife and five children live on Hilton Head Island.

Read more in tomorrow's Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette.