Broome County's race for the 19th Congressional District

BINGHAMTON (WBNG) – The race for the 19th Congressional District heated up to a new level Friday.

Marc Molinaro and Josh Riley looked for an advantage in one of the most competitive congressional races in the country.

House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared with Molinaro Friday afternoon and said his reelection is crucial to the success of the next Congress.

“I’ve probably been in Marc’s district more than anyone and there’s a reason for that,” Johnson noted. “He is one of the most important members of the United States House of Representatives, one of the most effective members I think has served in modern times, and he is one of my favorite people.”

Molinaro’s event also included former congressman and gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin. Zeldin said Molinaro is ready to make progress on the issues that matter most to voters.

“Marc Molinaro is a hometown fighter for those of you who want a stronger economy, a more secure border and a better foreign policy,” Zeldin said. “If you want to fight illegal immigration to protect taxpayer dollars, Marc Molinaro is your hometown fighter.”

Across the aisle, Josh Riley was joined by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies in Binghamton on Friday evening.

Jefferies said Riley is a natural leader who is ready for this opportunity.

“Josh Riley is a common-sense leader. Josh Riley is a compassionate leader,” said Jefferies. “Josh Riley is a courageous leader. Josh Riley is a caring leader. Josh Riley is a leader looking for common ground and with your support, Josh Riley is the next Congressman from the 19th Congressional District.”

New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado also stood before Riley, saying he is willing to stand up for all Americans, regardless of their background.

“Let me remind you that in Josh Riley, we have someone who cares about being a public servant, someone who cares about investing in all communities and lifting everyone up from the ground up,” Delgado said. “And without discriminating against race, gender or class, or against who has the deepest pockets, because they are bought and paid for just like his opponent.”

Full one-on-one interviews with Riley and Molinaro on their platforms can be found on our homepage.