WASHINGTON - The crowded field running for the 5th District congressional seat became larger on Friday with the entry of Newtown resident and business executive Bill Stevens.

Stevens made waves when the state General Assembly held hearings on new gun laws after 12/14 by opposing what he called "asinine legislation" to tighten gun laws in the state.

He announced his candidacy in an e-mailed press release.

"Our Nation is in grave danger," the release said. "Connecticut needs a congressman who will fight to strengthen our national security, rebuild our military, secure our borders, and defend the Constitution and our 2nd Amendment rights."

The 5th District has been represented by Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty since 2013.

Stevens would be the fourth declared candidate to challenge her. The other Republicans seeking to oust Esty are Matt Maxwell of Sandy Hook, Clay Cope of Sherman, and John Pistone of Brookfield.

Stevens said he is running because he believes "this batch of candidates could use a more conservative voice."

(This story originally appeared at CTMirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror, an independent, nonprofit news organization covering government, politics, and public policy in the state.)