Albany County Executive Dan McCoy on Thursday endorsed defense attorney Lee Kindlon for Albany County district attorney.

McCoy pointed to what he said was financial mismanagement under Albany County District Attorney David Soares as one of reasons for the endorsement.

"I will tell you, it was not an easy decision to make because I do like a lot of things David Soares has done and continues to do, but you're the top law enforcement person. You have to be better than me and everyone else," McCoy said.

Kindlon is challenging Soares in the Democratic Primary on June 25. Early voting runs from June 15-23. They recently faced off in an hourlong Spectrum News 1 debate. 

Kindlon recently received the backing of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. 

Soares has received endorsements from law enforcement and labor groups. He responded to McCoy's endorsement on Thursday, saying, in part: 

"Just weeks ago, the County Executive publicly said he strongly agrees with and supports my public safety positions. So today's action, which indicates the exact opposite of that, begs one question; Was he lying then, or is he lying now?"