State Sen. Peter Oberacker is officially running for Congress in one of New York’s most competitive districts, according to the Times Union. The Otsego County Republican launched his campaign Monday in Schenevus, aiming to unseat freshman Democrat Rep. Josh Riley in the 19th District.
Oberacker, a former food industry executive, is leaving the state Senate to challenge Riley, who narrowly won the swing seat last year. Riley has recently pushed legislation targeting foreign-owned utility companies amid rising rates.
Riley’s campaign labeled Oberacker an “Albany insider” tied to corporate donors. Oberacker is currently the only Republican in the race, but the district is expected to draw national attention in 2026.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].