Peter Oberacker, a Republican state senator from New York, secured the GOP nomination for the 19th Congressional District after winning Tuesday’s primary.
The district, which lies north of Manhattan, is viewed by Republicans as a key battleground in their effort to retain a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Although the area has traditionally leaned Democratic, the GOP captured the seat in the 2022 election.
Oberacker, who entered the state Senate in 2021, brings experience from the food‑processing industry and a record of public service that includes roles as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, town supervisor, and county legislator.
Earlier this year, he received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
During his tenure in the state Senate, Oberacker concentrated on issues affecting rural agriculture, farm operations, and utility costs for ratepayers, introducing legislation to prohibit retroactive business regulations and to prevent the use of taxpayer funds for corporate losses.
He also championed a “utility ratepayer bill of rights” aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the utility sector.
Federal Election Commission filings show that Oberacker’s campaign has raised just under $1 million.
In the upcoming general election on November 3, Oberacker will challenge incumbent Representative Josh Riley, who secured his seat with 51.1% of the vote in the 2024 race.
