GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. -- Roughly a year ago, Democrat committees and activist groups in Western New York formed the Turn 27 Blue coalition aimed at unseating Republican Congressman Chris Collins.

"What was important to us was to have a solid voice from the grassroots activists that are the ones making change in this country combined with our party forces to have a great election this year," said Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner. 

Five candidates emerged, and after numerous public forums, meetings and interview sessions, the coalition endorsed Nate McMurray late Thursday night.

"I'm excited and I'm proud. I think it's a lot of responsibility. There's a lot of people that put their trust in you but I'm ready to go forward and I'm confident we can do this," McMurray said.

It's not clear yet if the other candidates will suspend their campaigns or force a primary.

"That's certainly up to the candidates," Zellner said. "I would argue that it is not a productive thing in such a Republican district to have a primary. The voices of the grassroots groups, the leaders of these groups have been heard. The voices of our committees and our town leaders have been heard and we're going to move forward."

McMurray said any of the candidates would be better than Collins.

"I hope that we can unify together because it's going to take every single Democratic vote and we're going to have to turn some Republicans.

Collins' campaign went on the attack on Friday against McMurray, quickly associating him with the Democratic establishment, Andrew Cuomo, Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton.

"He just clicks his heels and says Hillary, Hillary, Hillary, Hillary and hopes all his problems go away but the reality is he has the problems. He's the one with the ethical problems," McMurray said.

Although he's vowed to move if he wins, McMurray does not live in the district, another fact Collins' camp was quick to point out. Democrats downplay the issue.

"Kathy Hochul didn't live in the district and she was successful and Tom Reynolds didn't live in the district when he ran for Congress and he was successful," Zellner said.

McMurray acknowledged he remains the underdog but believes the endorsement will help him fundraise and build campaign infrastructure.