State Sen. Peter Oberacker, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, secured the Republican nomination Tuesday in New York's 19th Congressional District, positioning himself to challenge incumbent Rep. Josh Riley, D-N.Y., in a race that could impact control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
New York's 19th District, located north of Manhattan, is among several competitive seats Republicans are targeting as they seek to regain a majority in the House. Though the district has historically leaned Democratic, Republicans last won it in 2022.
Oberacker, a state senator since 2021, has a background in the food business and has emphasized his public service, including roles as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, town supervisor, and county legislator. His campaign platform includes promises to boost the economy, cut taxes and regulations, increase domestic energy production, secure the border, and ensure law and order.
During his tenure in the state Senate, Oberacker has focused on rural agriculture, farms, and utility costs. He has introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability from utility companies and banning the use of taxpayer funds to cover corporate losses. He has also advocated for investigations into rising utility prices.
Trump's endorsement highlighted Oberacker's potential role in advancing Republican priorities, including economic growth, energy independence, border security, and Second Amendment rights. Oberacker has raised nearly $1 million for his campaign, according to Federal Election Commission records.
Rep. Josh Riley, a first-term representative, won his seat in 2024 with 51.1% of the vote against Republican Rep. Marcus Molinaro. Riley has faced criticism from Republicans regarding his ties to the utility industry, with Oberacker accusing him of hypocrisy for challenging utility rates while maintaining connections to the sector.
The general election between Oberacker and Riley is scheduled for November 3.