GOP voters pick Trump-backed nominee in battle to flip crucial House seat

Peter Oberacker, a Trump-backed Republican New York state senator, won a GOP primary on Tuesday evening, securing the GOP nomination to [challenge incumbent Rep. Josh Riley](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-challenger-brands-dem-rep-josh-riley-hypocrite-over-ties-energy-firm-he-blasts-campaign-trail), D-N.Y. New York’s 19th Congressional District, which encompasses an area north of Manhattan, is one of many [competitive seats Republicans hope to flip](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-york-republican-congresswoman-makes-7-figure-campaign-haul-aims-flip-districts-red-2026) as they look to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives, where they hold a narrow majority. Despite a historically Democratic bent, Republicans last won the district in 2022. Oberacker, who has a background in food business, has served as a New York state senator since 2021. In his campaign, he has pitched himself as a pragmatic public servant with a diverse resume. [**VULNERABLE HOUSE DEM FACING HEAT FOR 'DODGING' QUESTIONS ABOUT SOCIALIST MAMDANI'S RISE**](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vulnerable-house-dem-facing-heat-for-dodging-questions-about-socialist-mamdanis-rise) "They say there are two things you should never see being made: laws and sausage. Well, I know both. Service has always called me. As a volunteer firefighter and EMT and as a town supervisor and county legislator," Oberacker said [in a campaign video.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIolAoYvnEY) Oberacker received President [Donald Trump](https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/donald-trump)’s endorsement earlier this year. "As your next Congressman, he will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut [Taxes](https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/finance/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," Trump wrote. [**INSIDE THE REPUBLICAN VICTORIES IN SUBURBAN NEW YORK: 'FED UP WITH ONE PARTY DEMOCRATIC RULE'**](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-republican-victories-suburban-new-york-fed-up-one-party-democratic-rule) Most of Oberacker’s work in the state [Senate](https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/elections/senate) has focused on rural agriculture, farms and ratepayer energy costs. In the past, Oberacker has introduced bills that looked to ban retroactive bills for businesses and a ban on using taxpayer funds to cover corporate losses. He has also spearheaded calls to investigate climbing utility prices. "Results matter. That’s why I have introduced several bills as a part of my utility ratepayer bill of rights. This [legislation](https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/house-of-representatives/legislation) requires transparency and accountability from the utilities and gives power back to people — where it belongs," Oberacker wrote in a recent [post to Facebook.](https://www.facebook.com/PeterforNY19/posts/new-yorks-sky-high-energy-bills-are-squeezing-hardworking-families-and-small-bus/1544170374381062/) He has raised just shy of a million dollars, according to [Federal Election Commission records.](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6NY19268/) [**DEMOCRAT REP JOSH RILEY BLASTED AS ‘HYPOCRITE’ OVER TIES TO ENERGY FIRM HE CRITICIZES ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL**](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-challenger-brands-dem-rep-josh-riley-hypocrite-over-ties-energy-firm-he-blasts-campaign-trail) Having cleared the primary, Oberacker now heads to the [general election,](https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/elections) where he will face off against Riley on Nov. 3. Riley, a first-term representative, won his seat in a narrow 51.1% to 48.8% victory over [Rep. Marcus Molinaro, R-N.Y., in](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/moderate-gop-rep-marc-molinaro-projected-lose-re-election-after-35m-battle-heavy-blow-house-gop) 2024.