Oberacker Wins GOP Primary in New York’s 19th District

In a significant development, Republican Sen. Peter Oberacker, who has the backing of former President Trump, emerged victorious in the Republican primary held on Tuesday night. This win positions him to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Josh Riley in New York.

The 19th Congressional District, situated north of Manhattan, is one of several competitive districts the Republicans are targeting to flip as they strive to maintain their slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. While this area has traditionally leaned Democratic, the last Republican win dates back to 2022.

Oberacker, who has a background in the food industry, has been serving in the New York State Senate since 2021. During his campaign, he has presented himself as a relatable public servant with diverse experiences.

“They say you shouldn’t see how laws or sausages are made. Well, I’ve got my hands in both. Public service has always been my calling, whether as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, or in local government positions,” Oberacker remarked in a campaign video.

This year, Oberacker secured Trump’s endorsement, which adds notable weight to his campaign. Trump expressed confidence in his potential success, stating that Oberacker would work to grow the economy, cut taxes, bolster national security, and support Second Amendment rights, which he believes are always under threat.

In the New York State Senate, Oberacker has focused on issues affecting energy costs, particularly for rural agricultural communities. He has championed various bills aimed at accountability in public services and has been vocal about investigating rising utility costs.

“I believe results matter, which is why I worked on the Utility Payers Bill of Rights aimed at bringing transparency and accountability to our energy systems,” Oberacker noted in a recent piece.

Financially, he has reported raising nearly $1 million, according to records from the Federal Election Commission.

Now that Oberacker has advanced beyond the primary, he’s all set to face Riley in the general election scheduled for November 3rd. Riley, elected in 2024, clinched his seat with a narrow victory margin of 51.1% to 48.8% over his Republican opponent.