KINGSTON, N.Y. — It’s only been four months since the 118th Congress was seated but at least one Congressional hopeful is already eyeing 2024.
Democrat Josh Riley announced Tuesday he is again tossing his hat in the ring as a Democratic candidate for the 19th Congressional District.
The Ithaca native lost his 2022 bid for the seat to U.S. Rep Marc Molinaro, R-Red Hook, in a race in which Riley earned roughly 49% of the votes cast.
“I believe this is a Valley for Opportunity, and we deserve a politics that serves hard-working Upstate New Yorkers, not deep-pocketed special interests,” Riley wrote in a press release announcing his candidacy. “That’s why I’ll always protect Social Security, defend a woman’s right to choose and fight to strengthen the middle class, and it’s why I’ll never take a penny of corporate PAC money.”
Included in his press release was an April 11 letter signed by Democratic committee leaders from nine of the 11 counties that comprise the 19th Congressional District, including Ulster County Democratic Committee First Vice Chairman Jeff Collins.
In part, that letter states: “We … know that Josh is uniquely positioned to win this race. Josh ran an exceptionally strong campaign in 2022, turning out a higher percentage of Democratic voters than any other House campaign in the state while also winning substantial Republican and Independent support. We believe Josh can finish the job in 2024, and we look forward to working with Josh to get it done.”
Still, Riley may not have smooth sailing on his quest for the Democratic Party line.
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, whose late father Maurice Hinchey represented much of what is now the 19th District during his 20-year congressional career, has not ruled out a bid of her own for the seat.
In an email Tuesday, Hinchey, D-Saugerties said: “The outpouring of support and encouragement to run for the 19th Congressional District has been incredible.
“As a young woman watching what’s happening in our country today, I am currently considering the best way that I can keep helping people and improving our region.”
Hinchey was first elected to the state Senate in 2020.
The 19th Congressional District comprises 11 counties stretching from Columbia County to Tompkins County and includes the Ulster County towns of Denning, Hardenburgh, Shandaken, Olive, Woodstock, Saugerties, the town of Kingston, the town of Ulster and Hurley.
