TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y.—Jamie Cheney, Democratic Congressional candidate for NY-19, has been gaining speed and endorsements as the Aug. 23, 2022, primary gets closer.
Erin Vilardi of Vote Run Lead individually endorsed Cheney as a “representative [for] the women, mothers and families of NY-19” who need someone to fight for them in Washington, D.C.
“As a fellow New Yorker, with all of the problems facing the country and our state right now, NY-19 needs a strong advocate. Jamie is that person, and I am proud to give her my full endorsement,” said CEO of Vote Run Lead Erin Vilardi.
“I am honored to receive her endorsement and will fight every day to win this seat in November and give the people of NY-19 the voice that they deserve in Congress,” Cheney said.
The Elect Democratic Women, a member-led political action committee with the mission of increasing the number of women in Congress, has also endorsed Cheney.
“Now more than ever, we must elect people to Congress who will fight hard for reproductive freedom,” said Chair of Elect Democratic Women Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL). Jamie is a leader for women and working families and will be a thoughtful and compassionate representative for her district. We are looking forward to welcoming her to Congress.”
Cheney said she is honored to receive Elect Democratic Women’s endorsement, particularly after the Supreme Court’s announcement of the official decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“Following my initial wave of sadness and anger […], my overwhelming emotion is determination. There are no sidelines left in this fight. I look forward to working hand in hand with Elect Democratic Women to make sure NY-19 has a strong female voice in Washington,” Cheney said.
The Ancram Democratic Committee (ADC) of Columbia county endorsed Cheney on June 29.
“Jamie is exactly the right candidate at a crucial time for NY-19,” ADC Chair Mary Murfitt said. “After the Roe reversal, it is up to women like Jamie who viscerally understand what has been taken away from all American women to lead the charge. She will be a reliable voice for all families in the district, whether it be advocating for reproductive freedom or making sure that Social Security and Medicare benefits are protected.”
In June, the New York Democratic Rural Conference of the Catskill-Hudson region endorsed Cheney, with Chair Michael Monescalchi saying that “The Democratic party lacks strong, rural representation in Washington, and Jamie will fix that. She has a track record of getting things done, and I know she’ll do the same for the people of NY-19.”
Shortly after Cheney announced her Congressional run, Columbia and Dutchess County Assemblymember Didi Barrett made an endorsement saying that “As a mom with school-age kids, a farmer, and a small business owner, Jamie has the knowledge, experience, and commitment to fight for the working people and upstate communities of [NY]-19 and we need her leadership now more than ever.”
On July 7, Congresswoman Kathy Manning (D-NC) endorsed Cheney, saying that “After the Supreme Court’s reprehensible ruling, it is clearer than ever that we must elect more pro-choice women to Congress to codify Roe and ensure health care access for women and families.”
Josh Riley recently received an endorsements from both the Otsego County Democratic Committee (OCDC) and the Tioga County Democratic Committee, marking the sixth and seventh county Democratic committee to back Riley.
“Josh is a passionate, articulate leader who has dedicated his professional life to securing and protecting the rights of working and marginalized people,” said Max Della Pia, chairman of the Tioga committee and current candidate for New York’s 23rd Congressional District. “He grew up in Endicott, and he knows our community. I am confident he will serve us well in Congress.”
Caitlin Ogden, chair of the OCDC, said that “The Otsego County Democratic Committee has voted to endorse Josh Riley for New York’s 19th Congressional District. Josh will bring his experience in Washington home to benefit his neighbors, and he has a proven track record of bi-partisan success through his advocacy in D.C. We are confident that Josh Riley will serve our communities well.”
Previous endorsements include the Cortland, Chenango, Ulster and Broome and Tompkins County Democratic committees.
Marc Molinaro has not announced any endorsements at this time.
Correction: This article previously stated that Vote Run Lead endorsed Cheney, which is incorrect, and Vilardi, of Vote Run Lead, individually endorsed her.