Marc Molinaro is an incumbent congressman for New York’s 19th Congressional District running on the Republican and Conservative ballot lines. A former mayor of Tivoli and Dutchess County executive, he was elected to represent New York 103rd Assembly District in 2006. Questionnaire responses have been edited for clarity.
What motivated you to run for this position?
Upstate New Yorkers need relief from the bad policies that have resulted from dysfunctional Washington and one-party-rule in Albany. Our communities strive for safety and prosperity. I’m running for reelection to continue that fight.
How does your background and previous experience make you a strong candidate for this position?
I got involved in public service when I was still a student. At age 18, I was elected to serve on the Tivoli Board of Trustees, and then at 19, I was elected Mayor of Tivoli, becoming the youngest mayor in America. I often joke, I had to ask my mom for permission first.
In local government, I learned that when the roof leaks, it leaks on Republicans and Democrats. The job of government is simply to fix the roof. I’ve taken this approach to Congress, have been ranked second-most bipartisan in America, and fourth for most bills passed. In a place that’s often bogged down by partisanship and dysfunction, I’ve delivered results.
Why are you an ideal candidate for young voters and students?
I’m doing what my opponent Josh Riley won’t: tell young voters where I stand. I’m pro-border security, pro-American jobs, and pro-Israel. On Israel, Josh Riley is trying to play both sides. On the border, he can’t explain why he’d write an open borders plan that lets fentanyl poison students or let cheap illegal immigrant workers steal your post-grad job.
This race is projected to be one of the closest races in the 2024 election. What issues do you plan on addressing to bring undecided voters into your camp?
I’m fact-checking my opponent Josh Riley’s lies. For example on reproductive health, my opponent is flat out lying about my stance. I believe healthcare decisions should be between a woman and her doctor, not Washington. I kept my promise to reject a national abortion ban — keeping New York’s laws in place. And I bucked my own party to become the first Republican to sign on to legislation protecting IVF, birth control and mifepristone.
How would you vote on Proposal No. 1 on the New York State ballot?
I’ve spent a lot of time listening and learning to those who are concerned about the serious consequences that could result from it like letting men play in girls sports and allowing illegal immigrants to vote in American elections. I’m a no.
Many people don’t consider the federal government impactful in their personal lives. What are some of the major issues that voters should care about?
I got into public service because like Robert Kennedy (JFK’s brother) said, I believe public service is a dignified duty. Despite the partisanship and vitriol that dominate the news, I still believe this. Why? Because I’ve been able to bring Republicans and Democrats together to make real progress on issues like expanding mental health care, addiction treatment and support for those with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
While the federal government may seem distant, it still has the power to do good and shape the opportunities of tomorrow. That’s why to me, whether I’ve served at the local, state or federal level, my focus has been on making a difference for everyone — not just for those who happen to share my point of view.