The Republican primary race for New York’s 19th Congressional District features two candidates with some policy differences. State Sen. Peter Oberacker has years of experience at local and state government and as a business owner. He’s facing Alex Portelli, a political newcomer and entrepreneur.
The sprawling district stretches from Rensselaer and Columbia counties in the east to Tompkins County, and includes the cities of Binghamton and Ithaca. The winner of the GOP contest will face incumbent Democratic Rep. Josh Riley in November.
Oberacker says he’s running to ensure his grandchildren can live in an affordable country.
“We have an increase in utility costs, we have an increase in gas, we have an increase in groceries,” he said. “To throw any other expense that a household would have there and it’s getting very difficult now to [accomodate it].”
Oberacker has spent five years as a state senator, and previously served in town and county government. He says he’s most proud of being one of the most prolific law-passing Republican senators.
“You don’t get that unless you try to work across the aisle and really establish a rapport with [Democrats],” he said.
His opponent, Alex Portelli, grew up in Albany and is a self-described entrepreneur. He currently owns a timber farm in Otsego County.
Portelli says he jumped in the race because he’s concerned about the national debt.
“Federal spending is out of control,” he said. “We’re at almost $40 trillion in a national debt. Nobody even talks about it anymore. It’s like the people stopped caring.”
Portelli is also focused on ending foreign aid, repealing the income tax and reducing utility costs. He says being a political outsider gives him an advantage.
“We shouldn’t have any problems because these guys have experience in Congress, they’re 40 years in Congress and things are worse than ever,” he said. “I’ve experience in life and paying my taxes and, and I think that should be it. We need to get back to the roots of our country.”
The primary takes place on June 23. Early voting starts June 13 and runs through June 21.