New York’s 19th Congressional District has a race on its hands now that Republican state Sen. Pete Oberacker is challenging Rep. Josh Riley for his seat in Congress. There had been whispers for some time that Oberacker might take a look at the seat, but the papers have been filed and promotional ads circulated. Though he has the full weight of his party behind him, Oberacker is a bit more low-profile than past candidates by virtue of his current position and the realities of representing a rural senate district. That track record may actually do him favors in the sprawling territory Riley represents, but many are still getting to know the three-term lawmaker.

Next November is still far on the horizon, but here are some things to know about Oberacker as the race gets underway.

He’s an ups

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