Representative Josh Riley, a Democrat from New York, is under fire for alleged hypocrisy regarding his financial ties to the energy sector, a point of contention he has made central to his re-election campaign. Peter Oberacker, a Republican state senator and Riley’s likely opponent in the upcoming general election, has accused the incumbent of benefiting from the very utility companies he criticizes for their rising costs.
Riley has publicly condemned the proposed rate hikes from New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), likening the company’s actions to “robbery” aimed at enriching its Spanish parent company, Iberdrola. However, a recent investigation by Mid-Hudson News revealed that Riley possesses mutual fund investments valued at up to $250,000 that include shares of Iberdrola. Additionally, his campaign reportedly received $1,500 from a lobbyist linked to Avangrid, Iberdrola’s primary U.S. subsidiary, at the time the donations were made.
Accusations and Defenses
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Oberacker described Riley’s situation as hypocritical, stating, “I think we could sum it up in one word: hypocrite.” He expressed disbelief that Riley could criticize utility companies while profiting from them. In response, Riley’s campaign dismissed Oberacker’s claims as a “pathetic attempt to distract” from his own ties to NYSEG’s corporate political action committee (PAC), highlighting that Riley does not own individual stocks or accept corporate PAC money.
While Oberacker’s campaign has received modest contributions from Avangrid New York PAC, a spokesperson confirmed those funds were returned prior to his entry into the congressional race.
Riley is seeking to defend his position in a district that narrowly supported President Donald Trump in 2020, winning by just two percentage points. The upcoming election is significant, as it could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Energy Costs and Legislative Proposals
As the midterm elections approach, energy costs remain a pressing concern for voters. New York’s residential electricity rates were reported to be more than 50% higher than the national average in December 2025, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. Oberacker has criticized the “radical environmental policies” pushed by Albany Democrats, claiming they have contributed to the state’s high energy bills.
In response to the crisis, Oberacker recently proposed a “ratepayer bill of rights” aimed at improving transparency and accountability in utility billing. If enacted, the legislation would require itemized billing and in-person hearings in communities affected by rate increases, allowing residents to question charges directly. He stated, “The average person who’s looking at these increases in bills could actually say, ‘Where’s this going? What is this charge?'”
Oberacker’s efforts to address affordability issues could resonate with voters as they face escalating utility costs. His campaign aims to present a stark contrast to Riley’s approach, particularly as national Republicans attempt to link Riley to New York’s 2019 climate legislation, which critics argue is driving up energy prices even further. A memo from the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority indicated that households might incur an additional $4,000 in annual energy costs if a proposed carbon tax is implemented.
As both candidates prepare for the election, the New York 19th district is becoming a focal point in the competitive congressional landscape, with implications for both parties’ strategies in the midterm elections.
