Josh Riley — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New York, 2026

Josh Riley voted against a 2026 bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns about uncontrolled ICE operations and mass deportation efforts. He supports a tough and fair immigration system that secures the border, removes violent criminals, and provides a path to legal status for those who work hard. He also supports the Laken Riley Act to address crime and enforce laws, alongside protecting federal funding for sanctuary cities.

“I promised that I would stand up to anyone from any party who’s not doing right by Upstate New York,” Riley said in a social media post. “That’s why I opposed the Biden Administration’s open borders policies, and it’s why today I voted against the Trump Administration’s out-of-control ICE operations.” (Josh Riley, Daily Freeman, January 23, 2026)”

Josh Riley supports strengthening and expanding Medicare and Social Security, advocating for no cuts to these programs and for expanding Medicare to cover hearing, dental, and vision services. He has pushed for legislation to reverse hospital cuts from the "One Big Beautiful Bill," co-sponsored the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act, and introduced legislation for rural healthcare provider incentives. He also supports creating a public healthcare option and lowering prescription drug costs.

““In upstate New York, we believe if you work hard and play by the rules, you should get a fair shot. But tonight, we heard about a shameless tax giveaway to billionaires like Elon Musk paid for by newborns who need healthcare, hard-working families who need relief, and nursing home residents who need round-the-clock care. I don't know a single Upstate New Yorker who thinks billionaires deserve another break while everyone else gets screwed – I sure as hell don’t.” Josh Riley, Riley.House.com, 2025”

Representative Josh Riley launched the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus to address rising utility costs and reduce energy costs for consumers. He supports policies to hold polluters accountable, ensure clean drinking water, and preserve natural treasures like the Catskills and Hudson River. He advocates for creating jobs in clean energy and restoring the EPA's ability to fight climate change, aiming to protect the environment and support working families.

““With good policies and smart investments, we not only can save the planet, we can create good jobs in new industries, creating economic opportunities that lift up communities that for too long have been left behind.” – Josh Riley, LCVAF Questionnaire”

Josh Riley supports codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law by sponsoring the Women’s Health Protection Act on day one. He advocates for women's healthcare decisions to remain free from political interference, stating that politicians should stay out of such matters. Riley also championed efforts in federal court to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, aiming to establish abortion access as a constitutional right, and supports a constitutional amendment for reproductive rights.

““I believe that women’s health care decisions are women’s health care decisions and that politicians should stay the hell out of it. In Congress, I will codify the right to abortion as it existed under Roe v. Wade into law.” — Josh Riley, The New York Times, October 31, 2024”

Josh Riley advocates for an approach to foreign policy and defense that balances strength with the pursuit of peace, viewing homeland security as a primary federal responsibility. He supports strategically engaging to defend American values and interests, including confronting threats from adversaries like Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea, combating terrorism, securing borders, and efficiently allocating defense funds while prioritizing American job creation.

Research pending more substantial sources.

Josh Riley is endorsed by Giffords, an organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence and electing representatives who support lifesaving gun laws. He advocates for stronger background checks, keeping weapons of war out of schools and off the streets through constitutionally permissible legislation, and prohibiting domestic abusers from accessing weapons. Riley states he aims to keep vulnerable populations safe while honoring law-abiding gun owners’ Second Amendment rights.