SULLIVAN COUNTY – The drive to Election Day on November 8 remains in full throttle as the race for New York’s 19th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives between attorney Josh Riley (D) and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro (R), is heating up.

The recent history of the coveted seat in NY-19 involved a special election held in August. Molinaro previously ran as a candidate for the seat that became open after former Congressman Antonio Delgado’s installation as Lieutenant Governor of New York. Molinaro was defeated in that race by former Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, who is now running in  New York’s new 18th Congressional District.

Although not having met in a formal political debate, Molinaro and Riley have individually stated their stances on various issues that pertain to federal and state legislation on abortion, the opioid epidemic, and gun legislation, among other topics.

Even though New York’s 19th Congressional District spans 11 counties, both candidates recently gave presentations within Sullivan County.

Riley spoke at a rally for Democratic supporters at David and Melanie Seymour Holland’s residence in the Town of Tusten on October 22, and Molinaro gave a speech as the honored guest speaker at the Sullivan County Republican Committee annual dinner at the Villa Roma on October 14. 

Marcus Molinaro 

The Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro has given his stance on many topics since his initial run for the NY-19 seat back in August during the Special Election.

It has been widely reported that Sullivan County leads New York in opioid overdose deaths per capita. Molinaro has publicly spoken on his experience in fighting the opioid epidemic in the Hudson Valley.

“I have seen it as a County Executive responding these last 11 years to the growing epidemic of opioid use and substance use disorder,” Molinaro said. “It is taking too many lives.”

Molinaro also explained his thoughts on abortion as a “pro-life” candidate, who also believes there should not be a national abortion ban.

The Dutchess County Executive has noted his dislike for New York’s Bail Reform law, calling it an “unadulterated disaster.”

Josh Riley

Riley noted his position on various major running points, which include abortion, the protection of Democracy after the attacks on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, and the support of law enforcement.

“I have been very clear, abortion is healthcare,” Riley said, “and women’s healthcare decisions are theirs and nobody elses’.”

Riley also seeks to protect Democracy as a whole, as the aftermath of the January 6 Raid on the Capitol continues to permeate discussion in Washington.

Debunking claims about his push to “defund the police,” Riley spoke on his family’s law enforcement background and his mother’s career as a law enforcement officer.

Approaching the  Finish Line

Early voting for the 2022 General Election begins on October 29 and runs through November 6. Sullivan County voters can cast their ballots at the Government Center during those dates. For early voting  hours, visit the Board of Elections page on the County’s website.

For further information on where Molinaro and Riley stand on the issues, visit their respective websites, with Molinaro’s being www.marcforus.com, and Riley’s being joshrileyforcongress.com.