Joshua Riley is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, serving New York's 19th Congressional District since January 3, 2025. Born on January 21, 1981, in Endicott, New York, Riley completed his high school education at Union-Endicott High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William and Mary in 2003. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2007.

Riley's political career includes serving as a legal clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and working on the staff of U.S. Senator Al Franken from Minnesota. Before entering Congress, he was involved in various legal and community service endeavors, ultimately running for Congress in the 2022 elections but falling short before successfully being elected in 2024.

In Congress, Riley is a member of the Agriculture Committee and the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee, as well as the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. His committee appointments suggest a focus on agricultural policy, science initiatives, and rural development, reflecting the priorities of his district.

Riley has been proactive in co-sponsoring several bills that align closely with his constituents' interests, particularly in agriculture and food security. One significant piece of legislation is the Dairy Farm Resiliency Act (HR 294), aimed at amending the Agricultural Act to enhance the dairy margin coverage program—an essential support mechanism for dairy farmers in New York. He also co-sponsored the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 (HR 649), which seeks to promote whole milk consumption among children, thus supporting dairy farmers while addressing nutritional needs.

Additionally, Riley is behind the Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act (HR 1951), which aims to authorize grants for rural cooperative development. This bill emphasizes assistance for socially vulnerable communities, showcasing a commitment to underserved populations often found in rural areas. His involvement in this legislation and similar bills illustrates a focus on fostering economic resilience and growth in rural settings.

Riley's policy initiatives indicate a tendency towards progressive agricultural policies, with an emphasis on supporting local economies through cooperative development and agricultural sustainability. His legislative efforts align with broader Democratic values, emphasizing community support, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.

Further distinguishing his political profile, Riley supported bills like the Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025 (HR 2222), which aims to ease regulatory burdens on egg production, showing a willingness to balance industry interests with public benefit. He is also engaged in efforts to bolster scientific advancement through participation in technology committees, although specific bill sponsorships in the science sector were not highlighted in the current legislative session.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joshua Riley's personal background and experiences as a New Yorker provide a relatable frame for understanding his commitment to his constituents. His work both in Congress and in his previous roles demonstrates a dedication to addressing the diverse needs of his district, especially regarding agricultural policy, rural development, and equitable economic opportunities.