KINGSTON, N.Y. — President Donald Trump has weighed in on the race for the 19th Congressional District seat by endorsing Republican Peter Oberacker, a current state senator.
In a post on his Truth Social platform last week that was re-posted by Oberacker, a Republican who represents the 51st state Senate District, Trump said that Oberacker should be the next House member over incumbent U.S. Rep. Josh Riley, D-Ithaca, in the district that includes parts of Ulster County.
“It is my Great Honor to endorse Peter Oberacker, an incredible Candidate who is running to represent the fantastic people of New York’s 19th Congressional District,” Trump posted.
Trump made several claims about Riley.
U.S. Rep. Josh Riley, D-Ithaca. (Photo provided)
“He is running against Josh Riley, a true Radical Left Extremist who does not represent the Values of Central New York. Josh Riley wants Open Borders, Men playing in Women’s Sports, Transgender for Everyone, Defund the Police, and wants to take away your Second Amendment, meaning, your guns.”
“Sadly, he voted against the Biggest Tax Cut in History, and fought ferociously to knock out Rural Healthcare, a big factor in New York’s District 19,” Trump wrote. “ He represented Sleepy Joe Biden as his Counsel, in the White House. How did that work out? He is totally controlled by the Radical Left who have only one goal in mind, DESTROYING OUR COUNTRY!”
Trump praised Oberacker.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a spending bill that ends a partial shutdown of the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“Peter Oberacker, on the other hand, is a very successful ‘Meat Market’ Businessman, Dedicated Public Servant, and now, as State Senator, who has strongly served his Community with a career ‘loaded up’ with accolades and wins. As your next Congressman, he will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Brave Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
When asked for comment on Monday, Riley’s office simply referred to his post on social media.
“Why did he put ‘Meat Market’ in quotes?” Riley posted on Feb. 4.
In October, Oberacker, R-Schenevus, who represents parts of Ulster County, announced that he would run for the 19th Congressional District against Riley.
Oberacker said in a Feb. 4 post that “I spoke with President Trump earlier this evening and thanked him for his complete and total endorsement …”
“Now more than ever, Upstate New York needs a representative who will fight to defend our values,” Oberacker said.