Oberacker to challenge Riley in NY-19

Republican state Sen. Peter Oberacker is planning to run for Congress, according to sources familiar with the district. The run could lead to the district’s first contested primary in years after back-to-back campaigns between Democratic Rep. Josh Riley and former Rep. Marc Molinaro, a Republican.

Oberacker informed Sullivan County GOP Chair Greg Goldstein of his intention to run, and Goldstein later sent an email to other town chairs in the county informing them of Oberacker’s decision and letting them know he’d work on finding a replacement to run for the Republican nomination in the 51st state Senate district that Oberacker currently represents.

“As discussed last night, Peter has decided to throw his hat in the ring to run for the US Congressional 19th District !! Hopefully, we will all be behind him,” Goldstein wrote in the email. 

Oberacker has yet to formally announce his congressional campaign, but he didn’t deny that he’s considering a run. “I’m humbled by the encouragement I’ve received. After much thought and prayer, I’m giving serious consideration to running and will share my decision soon,” Oberacker said in a statement. 

So far, the only other Republican candidate with eyes on the 19th Congressional District is Haris Alic, a House communications staffer who grew up in the district. Like Oberacker, Alic hasn’t formally announced a campaign. Neither Oberacker nor Alic have registered a campaign committee with the Federal Elections Commission. 

The 19th Congressional District is also one of better pick-up opportunities for Republicans in the country after Riley won the seat with just 51.1% of the vote. In addition to being geographically vast, it’s one of the swingier districts in the state as Molinaro won the seat with 50.8% of the vote in 2022.