Who Is Running in New York Congressional District 19th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Josh Riley
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJosh Riley launched the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus with other House Democrats to address rising electricity, gas, and water costs. The caucus aims to develop legislative strategies to curb utility monopolies and reduce consumer energy expenses. He is also legally involved in utility price hike cases, seeking to challenge a system he views as "corrupt." Additionally, he co-introduced quantum workforce development legislation.
Immigration
HighJosh Riley voted against a 2026 bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns about uncontrolled ICE operations and mass deportation efforts. He supports a tough and fair immigration system that secures the border, removes violent criminals, and provides a path to legal status for those who work hard. He also supports the Laken Riley Act to address crime and enforce laws, alongside protecting federal funding for sanctuary cities.
Healthcare
HighJosh Riley supports strengthening and expanding Medicare and Social Security, advocating for no cuts to these programs and for expanding Medicare to cover hearing, dental, and vision services. He has pushed for legislation to reverse hospital cuts from the "One Big Beautiful Bill," co-sponsored the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act, and introduced legislation for rural healthcare provider incentives. He also supports creating a public healthcare option and lowering prescription drug costs.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Josh Riley |
|---|---|
| Economy | Josh Riley launched the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus with other House Democrats to address rising electricity, gas, and water costs. The caucus aims to develop legislative strategies to curb utility monopolies and reduce consumer energy expenses. He is also legally involved in utility price hike cases, seeking to challenge a system he views as "corrupt." Additionally, he co-introduced quantum workforce development legislation. High |
| Immigration | Josh Riley voted against a 2026 bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns about uncontrolled ICE operations and mass deportation efforts. He supports a tough and fair immigration system that secures the border, removes violent criminals, and provides a path to legal status for those who work hard. He also supports the Laken Riley Act to address crime and enforce laws, alongside protecting federal funding for sanctuary cities. High |
| Healthcare | Josh Riley supports strengthening and expanding Medicare and Social Security, advocating for no cuts to these programs and for expanding Medicare to cover hearing, dental, and vision services. He has pushed for legislation to reverse hospital cuts from the "One Big Beautiful Bill," co-sponsored the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act, and introduced legislation for rural healthcare provider incentives. He also supports creating a public healthcare option and lowering prescription drug costs. High |
| Climate & Energy | Representative Josh Riley launched the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus to address rising utility costs and reduce energy costs for consumers. He supports policies to hold polluters accountable, ensure clean drinking water, and preserve natural treasures like the Catskills and Hudson River. He advocates for creating jobs in clean energy and restoring the EPA's ability to fight climate change, aiming to protect the environment and support working families. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Josh Riley supports codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law by sponsoring the Women’s Health Protection Act on day one. He advocates for women's healthcare decisions to remain free from political interference, stating that politicians should stay out of such matters. Riley also championed efforts in federal court to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, aiming to establish abortion access as a constitutional right, and supports a constitutional amendment for reproductive rights. High |
| Foreign Policy | Josh Riley advocates for an approach to foreign policy and defense that balances strength with the pursuit of peace, viewing homeland security as a primary federal responsibility. He supports strategically engaging to defend American values and interests, including confronting threats from adversaries like Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea, combating terrorism, securing borders, and efficiently allocating defense funds while prioritizing American job creation. Low |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Gun Policy | Josh Riley is endorsed by Giffords, an organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence and electing representatives who support lifesaving gun laws. He advocates for stronger background checks, keeping weapons of war out of schools and off the streets through constitutionally permissible legislation, and prohibiting domestic abusers from accessing weapons. Riley states he aims to keep vulnerable populations safe while honoring law-abiding gun owners’ Second Amendment rights. Medium |
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