(Reuters) - Republican U.S. congressman Christopher Collins, who has been charged with insider trading, on Wednesday called the accusations “meritless” and said he will run for re-election in November in his upstate New York district.

“The charges that have been levied against me are meritless and I will mount a vigorous defense in court to clear my name,” Collins told reporters in Buffalo.

“As I fight to clear my name, rest assured I will continue to work hard for the people and constituents of the 27th congressional district of New York and I will remain on the ballot running for re-election this November,” he said.