BRIDGEVILLE — State Senator Peter Oberacker (R-Schenevus) has officially entered the race for New York’s 19th Congressional District, challenging Democratic incumbent Josh Riley in what is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive House races in the country.

Oberacker, who represents the 51st State Senate District, made his announcement surrounded by supporters at a rally and press conference held inside a lodge at Holiday Mountain in Bridgeville, just outside Monticello. Framed by GOP officials and local Republican leadership, Oberacker cast himself as a candidate rooted in small-town values and lifelong public service.

“This soil — it’s where I was born and raised,” said Oberacker. “We need more leaders who remember where they came from, not those who treat our farmlands as nothing more than a photo op.”

Standing alongside Oberacker were U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Assemblyman Chris Tague (AD-102), and Sullivan County Republican Chair Rob Doherty and other Republican leaders. 

Lawler talked about Oberacker’s familiarity with the district, saying that he already represents a large portion of it in Albany. Tague, meanwhile, fired up the crowd with a pointed question: “Where is Josh Riley?”

As it turned out, Riley was also in Sullivan County that same day — holding a healthcare town hall at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake, just miles from Oberacker’s event in Bridgeville (see story on page XX). 

Riley’s campaign responded to the announcement. “Albany insider Pete Oberacker has been selling out Upstate New York for years,” said campaign manager Maddie Summers. She accused Oberacker of being a corporate executive who prioritized special interests, citing donations from utility companies and his prior work in agribusiness.

Oberacker brushed off the criticism. “I haven’t seen Joshua around,” he told the Democrat. “They can say whatever they want. I think my record stands for itself — people know me.”

The Senator outlined his conservative platform in a speech that touched on his working-class roots, experience as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, and his legislative work pushing back on energy mandates, supporting law enforcement, and advocating for small farms.

“This campaign is about faith, family, and freedom,” Oberacker said. “Because soil is our common ground — and together, rooted in that same soil, we can build a stronger New York and a stronger America.”

The 19th District, a swing seat stretching across the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier, flipped to Democrats in 2022 when Riley narrowly defeated Republican Marc Molinaro.