Josh Riley has served as the U.S. Representative for New York’s 19th Congressional District since January 3, 2025. A Democrat from Endicott, Riley succeeded Marc Molinaro after defeating him in the 2024 general election. The district spans a diverse region of upstate New York, including rural areas along with the cities of Ithaca and Binghamton. Riley, a former policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Labor and counsel on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, brings experience in both legal practice and public policy to his role in Congress.
Policy Effectiveness and Legislative Record
In his freshman term, Rep. Riley has concentrated on agricultural policy, rural infrastructure, and scientific research. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, where he holds vice ranking membership on the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture and membership on the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. Through these assignments, he has advocated for increased federal support to family farms and forest management programs, emphasizing sustainable practices and bolstering local economies. Riley also sits on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he focuses on energy research initiatives within the Subcommittee on Energy. He has called for expanded funding for renewable energy research at institutions such as Cornell University and Binghamton University to drive innovation and job growth in upstate New York.
Riley introduced the Rural Broadband Expansion Act (H.R. 2137), aimed at allocating competitive grants to extend high-speed internet to underserved communities. This bill would authorize $500 million annually for five years, prioritizing regions with limited connectivity. Additionally, he co-sponsored the Transparency in Small Business Contracting Act (H.R. 2154), which seeks to improve oversight of federal procurement processes and ensure equitable access for small businesses in his district. His legislative efforts reflect a focus on strengthening rural economies and supporting scientific research that addresses local challenges.
Key Votes and Voting Record
Rep. Riley’s voting record aligns closely with the Democratic caucus, particularly on economic and social policy issues. In May 2025, he voted against the Republican majority’s budget resolution, expressing concern that proposed cuts to healthcare and nutritional assistance programs would disproportionately affect constituents in his district. He supported the America Competes Act reauthorization, backing increased federal investment in scientific research and manufacturing innovation. On agricultural issues, he voted in favor of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2025, which included provisions for enhanced crop insurance and conservation programs. As a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Riley consistently votes for measures that promote clean energy development, and his attendance rate on roll-call votes has exceeded 95% since taking office.
Ethics and Controversies
There are no known ethics violations or formal investigations involving Rep. Riley. Throughout his tenure, he has emphasized transparency in campaign finance and legislative decision-making. In his 2024 campaign, Riley faced scrutiny over his ties to the legal profession—specifically, questions about whether his law firm clients might influence his policy positions—but no ethics committee has found any wrongdoing. His office has adopted strict guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest, including recusal from votes where personal financial interests could be perceived to interfere with his duties.
Constituent Service and Public Engagement
Rep. Riley maintains an active presence in his district through regular town halls, community forums, and social media outreach. His offices in Washington, D.C., and Binghamton have resolved more than $589,000 in federal benefit claims during his first four months, including expedited veterans’ disability payments and Social Security back-pay. He has hosted “Farm to Table Roundtables” in Cortland and Chenango counties, meeting with local farmers to discuss crop insurance concerns and conservation program access. Riley also organized a “Tech for Tomorrow” event at Cornell Tech, inviting university researchers to present innovations in clean energy and biotechnology to constituents. Feedback surveys conducted by his office show high satisfaction with casework responsiveness, with 87% of surveyed residents reporting timely assistance with federal agencies.
Bipartisanship and Collaboration
Although he maintains progressive policy positions, Riley has demonstrated a willingness to work across party lines on select issues. He co-sponsored the Federal Land Water Conservation Trust Fund Clarification Act with a Republican member from New Mexico, ensuring that conservation dollars could be used for both urban park restoration and Upstate New York watershed protection. He joined members of both parties in proposing the Election Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, aimed at funding state and local boards to upgrade voting machines and strengthen election infrastructure. His memberships in the Future Forum and the New Democrat Coalition further indicate a pragmatic approach, focusing on pro-business and pro-innovation policies while maintaining core Democratic values.
Recent Focus and Public Stances
Rep. Riley has prioritized infrastructure investment for roads, bridges, and rural broadband. He secured $25 million in appropriations for the Southern Tier Broadband Initiative, which aims to connect more than 10,000 households currently lacking reliable internet. On small business support, he has highlighted the need for simplified application processes for Paycheck Protection Program loans and backed efforts to extend certain tax credits to independently owned restaurants. In foreign affairs, Riley has publicly supported diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, voting to continue U.S. funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza while condemning civilian casualties. He has also urged colleagues to prioritize climate resilience funding for the Great Lakes region to address increasingly severe flooding and invasive species threats.
Conclusion
Representative Josh Riley’s early tenure in Congress reflects a commitment to bolstering rural economies, expanding scientific research, and improving constituent services. His legislative initiatives on broadband expansion and small business transparency demonstrate a focus on local priorities. While he consistently aligns with the Democratic caucus on major policy votes, Riley’s bipartisan collaborations on conservation and election security underscore a pragmatic approach to solving problems. As he continues to serve New York’s 19th District, his performance is defined by constituent engagement, policy-driven problem-solving, and a balance of progressive values with practical governance.
