New York's 19th District Race Remains Uncertain

Incumbent Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro is trailing Democrat Josh Riley by over 3,600 votes in New York's 19th Congressional District, with more than 12,000 absentee and affidavit ballots yet to be counted. While the Associated Press has declared Riley the winner, Molinaro has vowed not to concede until all votes are tallied, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every legal vote is counted. This race is notable for being one of the most expensive in the country, with both candidates spending over $45 million combined. Riley celebrated his apparent victory, promising to represent upstate New York's values in Congress. The outcome of this election is critical, as it could influence control of the U.S. House of Representatives, with New York Democrats flipping at least two congressional seats. Molinaro previously defeated Riley by a narrow margin in 2022, highlighting the competitiveness of this race.