NEW YORK STATE –– Republican and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro has been elected to represent constituents in the new New York 19th Congressional District for the next two years.

“I am incredibly grateful to the people in New York’s 19th Congressional District,” Molinaro said. “I commend my opponent Josh Riley, because running for office is incredibly challenging - and credit belongs to the individual who enters the arena. 

“Looking forward, my goal is to listen to, learn from and serve all of this district.  Together we will focus on solutions to address inflation, crime, and mental health, along with having the best constituent services for Upstate New York,” he continued. “Thank you again. Corinne, and I are incredibly grateful and I am honored to serve.” 

According to the NYS Board of Elections website, Molinaro defeated Democratic challenger Josh Riley by a margin of 142,354 votes (50.27 percent) to 136,071 votes (48.05 percent).

As part of his concession statement, Riley said, “With the ballots cast, votes counted, and campaign ended, let’s set aside our divisions and do our best to unite. It’s in that spirit that I wish Marc Molinaro much success as he goes to Congress to represent us.”

Molinaro told the Democrat that the next couple months will be spent getting to know as many people across the district as  he can.

“I’m thrilled to have been given this tremendous honor, but the work didn’t stop on election night, and I’m not waiting until the new year to begin. We’re in the process of building out a staff to serve the people of Upstate and make sure that residents understand that their government will once again work for and respect them.”