Democratic Rep. Josh Riley from New York has received a $1,000 donation from Tomorrow PAC, a group of young activists advocating for the abolition of cash bail. This contribution was noted in his first quarter Federal Election Commission (FEC) report. As a moderate Democrat, Riley has been receiving funds from various left-leaning groups that support criminal justice reforms, which includes the push to eliminate cash bail among other policies.
Riley represents New York’s 19th Congressional District, a competitive area in upstate New York where, notably, Donald Trump came close to winning in 2024. In the last election, Riley narrowly defeated Republican Mark Molinaro by under 10,000 votes, further emphasizing the district’s swing nature.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has criticized Riley for accepting donations from groups associated with soft-on-crime policies, labeling him as someone untrustworthy for the safety of his constituents. Despite repeated attempts by the media to get a comment from Riley’s office, no response has been given.
In 2019, the New York State Legislature removed cash bail for many misdemeanors and some lesser felonies, a change pushed by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo. This move has faced backlash from Republicans and some Democrats in New York, who argue it has failed to curb rising crime rates. Statistics indicate that about 65% of individuals released without bail are re-arrested within two years, according to a study by John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Supporters of Tomorrow PAC aim for broader criminal justice reform, including issues like the decriminalization of prostitution. They maintain that cash bail disproportionately affects low-income individuals, arguing that no one should be jailed simply due to an inability to pay bail. This sentiment reflects a larger push for equality in the justice system.
Interestingly, the organization also contributed significant funds to support Kamala Harris during her presidential run and has called for the abolition of cash bail, which echoes the concerns and strategies prominent in their advocacy.
The New York Working Families Party (NY-WFP) has been a key donor to Riley’s previous campaigns, supporting his stance on cash bail elimination while opposing any efforts to reverse the progress made since the 2019 legislation. They’ve made their position clear in public statements, emphasizing the need to avoid a return to past practices that favored wealth over justice.
Amidst this backdrop, Riley’s campaigns have benefited from substantial financial backing, with NY-WFP contributing considerably in both his 2022 and 2024 races against Molinaro. The ongoing debate over cash bail and criminal justice reform continues to shape the political landscape in New York as candidates navigate these complex issues ahead of upcoming elections.
