Democrat Josh Riley holds narrow lead over Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro in battle for NY-19 seat, state’s costliest race

Democrat Josh Riley appeared poised to nonstop incumbent Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro packing arsenic he held a narrow, but clear lead successful a title for a cardinal Upstate New York seat.

Riley carried astir 52% of votes to Molinaro’s 48%, pinch 96% of ballots counted early Wednesday, according to nan Associated Press.

The title officially was excessively adjacent to call, but Molinaro would person to dress up a 13,000-vote deficit, tallies show.

Molinaro refused to concede arsenic nan votes were counted.

“While we would person liked to extremity coming pinch much votes, we want beryllium judge each absentee and affidavit is counted,” he said successful a statement. “I’m truthful grateful to my family, friends, and supporters, and will person much to opportunity successful nan coming days.”

The 19th Congressional District — which covers 11 upstate counties including areas for illustration Binghamton, Oneonta and nan Catskills — emerged arsenic 1 of nan tightest and costliest battlegrounds for power of nan House.

More than $26 cardinal successful run rate flowed into nan territory — nan costliest title successful nan authorities — arsenic Molinaro fought to support his spot successful a rematch against Riley, who came up conscionable 4,500 votes down during 2022’s election.

Polls indicated nan territory was again a existent flip up this year, according to FiveThirtyEight. The latest survey, taken Oct. 11-16 by SurveyUSA, showed Riley up 46% compared to Molinaro’s 42%.

Molinaro, who refused to support erstwhile President Donald Trump successful 2016, focused overmuch of his run highlighting President Biden’s failures alternatively of hyping up his party’s candidate.

He has said, however, that he supports Trump.

“I deliberation Donald Trump and a Trump management will, without question, provide, not only separator security, but evidently perpetrate to keeping American America safe,” Molinaro precocious said.

Molinaro sewage a late-stage boost by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who stumped for nan incumbent connected Friday.

Drama successful nan title continued into Election Day, albeit apparently unrelated to either candidate.

A car collapsed into a polling location successful nan municipality of Ithaca, prompting officials to move nan site.