Josh Riley

Josh Riley has served as U.S. Representative for New York's 19th Congressional District since January 2025. He flipped the district from Republicans in 2024 by 2.2 points. He represents a district in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region.

Incumbency status: challenger

Education: B.A., Dartmouth College; J.D., Harvard Law School

Residence: Binghamton, NY

Biography

Josh Riley was born in New York. He earned his B.A. from Dartmouth College and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. He worked as an attorney and policy advocate before being elected to Congress in 2024, defeating Republican incumbent Marc Molinaro. He represents a district that includes parts of the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Southern Tier of New York.

Professional background

U.S. Representative (2025–present); Attorney

Public service

U.S. Representative, New York's 19th Congressional District (2025–present)

In this race

Issue positions

Healthcare (ACA-Medicaid)
Riley voted against H.R. 5371, a bill that would have allowed Affordable Care Act (ACA) credits to expire. He also voted against the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. Riley supports a public option for healthcare. — "Congressional voting record"
Immigration (Border Security)
Riley supports increased border security funding, including investments in smart border technology. He advocates for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Riley voted in favor of a bill that mandates deportation for individuals convicted of DUI offenses. — "Congressional voting record, Public statements"
Public Safety (Crime)
Riley adamantly opposes efforts to defund the police, emphasizing the importance of law enforcement. He supports reforms to New York's cashless bail system, advocating for increased judicial discretion in setting bail. — "Public statements"
Social Policy (Gender Identity)
Riley voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. He supports the Equality Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Riley also supports the Respect for Marriage Act, codifying marriage equality into federal law. — "Congressional voting record"
Taxation (Working Families Tax Cuts)
Riley voted against the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and a budget resolution that included the Working Families Tax Cuts. His opposition to the Working Families Tax Cuts would restore income taxes on tips for 4 million tipped workers, restore income taxes on overtime for 80+ million hourly workers, and restore income taxes on Social Security for millions of retirees. It would also cut the Child Tax Credit from $2,200 back to $2,000 per child, reduce the standard deduction for 90% of taxpayers, eliminate the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, reverse increased Medicare payments to rural providers, and constitute the largest tax increase in American history. Riley supports a wealth surtax on incomes exceeding $5 million. — "Congressional voting record, CBO analysis"
Labor (PRO Act)
Riley explicitly supports the PRO Act. The PRO Act would override right-to-work laws in 27 states, eliminating independent contractor status for millions of gig workers. It would also expose employers to secondary boycott liability and increase compliance costs for small businesses. — "Public statements, CBO analysis"

Ratings & scores

  • Heritage Action for America: 0% (2025)
  • AFL-CIO: 92% (2025)
  • League of Conservation Voters (LCV): 97% (2025)
  • Reproductive Freedom for All (NARAL): 100% (2025)