WASHINGTON D.C.  — Former Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan was sworn in as Representative for New York’s 19th congressional district last week. 

Ryan won last month’s special election against Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. He will serve out the remainder former Rep. Antonio Delgado’s congressional term after he stepped down to assume the role of Lieutenant Governor in May. 

“This is a moment of immense consequence and challenge for our country.  I believe it is truly an all-hands-on-deck moment for our democracy,” Rep. Ryan said. “And I pledge that I will fight every single day - with every ounce of my being - to deliver for the people of New York’s 19th District, and to renew trust and faith in our great nation.” 

A West Point graduate who served two combat tours in Iraq, Ryan has been appointed to the House Armed Services Committee, which provides oversight and funding for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Armed Forces and parts of the Department of Energy.

“As a combat veteran myself, I am committed to supporting our men and women serving in uniform, reforming military procurement, and strengthening the role Congress must play in military conflict,” Ryan said. 

Ryan’s win in NY-19 came as an early upset in this year’s midterm elections, but he will not represent the district for long. The congressional term ends in January and, due to New York’s redistricting process,  Ryan is running for reelection in the 18th Congressional District. 

Registered voters in NY-19 will go back to the polls in November to decide between Republican candidate Marc Molinaro and Democratic candidate Josh Riley.

This time around, the district lines have been redrawn. The new 19th Congressional District stretches from the border of Massachusetts and west to Ithaca and the Finger Lakes.