John, it’s Josh Riley.

I know it feels like we were in the same boat not that long ago, but that’s the nature of running for Congress. With this seat up for election every two years, the actual campaigning never really stops – especially in a district like ours.

Last year, this was one of the most competitive and expensive House races in the entire country, with over $40 million spent right here in Upstate New York. We were up against an incumbent who was backed by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Elise Stefanik, Mike Johnson, and countless corporate PACs. But despite the millions of dollars spent on ads attacking us, we flipped this seat from red to blue – all while running an entirely grassroots campaign.

Now, we’re getting ready to defend this seat in 2026, and it’s shaping up to be just as competitive. National Republicans have named me a top target, and they’re already running ads attacking me, but I won’t stop fighting for what’s right. I came to Congress to make sure Upstate New Yorkers had someone fighting for them, not for the billionaires and corporate PACs that already have an army of lobbyists in Washington.

John, I’m sure you’re hearing from a lot of campaigns right now, but I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t so important. Will you chip in $5 or whatever you can today to help us continue building the strong grassroots momentum we’ll need to hold this seat?

With gratitude & high hopes,

Josh