Peter K. Oberacker Jr. (born May 13, 1963) is an American businessman and politician. He is a member of the New York State Senate, representing, the 51st district. The boundaries of the 51st district changed following the 2020 United States redistricting cycle, and the district now includes portions of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. First elected to the state senate in 2020, he succeeded the longtime incumbent James Seward, and assumed office in January 2021. Prior to becoming a state senator, he served in different local offices and helped launch the company FormTech Solutions.
Peter Oberacker | |
|---|---|
 Oberacker in 2022 | |
| Member of the New York State Senate from the 51st district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | James Seward |
| Member of the Otsego County Board of Representatives from the 6th district | |
| In office January 1, 2016 – November 17, 2020 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Peter K. Oberacker Jr. May 13, 1963 Merrick, New York |
| Political party | Republican |
| Other political affiliations | Independence |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | Schenevus, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | SUNY Delhi |
| Website | Official website Campaign website |
Early life and career
editOberacker was born in Merrick, New York. He graduated from SUNY Delhi. After graduating from college, he joined his father, also named Peter Oberacker, in operating Spicey Pete's Meats, a market in Schenevus.[1]
Oberacker first entered the political sphere when he was elected to the Maryland Town Board, a position he held for two terms before being elected town supervisor. After two terms as supervisor, Oberacker was elected to serve as an Otsego County legislator.[2]
In 2020, retiring Senator James Seward encouraged Oberacker to run for the senate seat that he occupied at the time.[2] Oberacker eventually won the seat, winning 55.4 percent of the vote.[3] He assumed office in January 2021.
Political positions
editMarijuana
editOberacker voted against the bill that legalized recreational marijuana usage in New York. The bill was signed by Governor Cuomo on March 31, 2021.[4][5]
Recreation
editOberacker's first bill to be approved by the senate was a bill that designated baseball as the official state sport of New York, an idea that was inspired by Cooperstown Elementary School students. The bill passed by a vote of 61-2.[6]
Personal life
editOberacker has a wife named Shannon, who he calls his "high school sweetheart". He has two children and one granddaughter. He lives in Schenevus, New York and is a member of his local fire department and EMS squad.[7]
Electoral history
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Peter Oberacker | 65,529 | 49.76 | |
| Conservative | Peter Oberacker | 5,447 | 4.14 | |
| Independence | Peter Oberacker | 2,021 | 1.53 | |
| Total | Peter Oberacker | 72,997 | 55.43 | |
| Democratic | Jim Barber | 58,685 | 44.57 | |
| Total votes | 131,682 | 100.0 | ||
References
edit- ^ "Pete Oberacker". AllOTSEGO.com. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
- ^ a b Harding, Robert. "Peter Oberacker hopes to use business, government experience if elected to NY Senate". Auburn Citizen. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "2020 New York State Senate Election Results | USA TODAY". www.usatoday.com. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ Mendez, Rich (March 30, 2021). "Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs bill to legalize recreational marijuana in New York". CNBC. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
- ^ "NY State Senate Bill S854A". NY State Senate. March 27, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
- ^ Harding, Robert. "NY Senate passes Oberacker's bill to designate baseball as official state sport". Auburn Citizen. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "Peter Oberacker candidate questionnaire". The Daily Star. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "New York State Senate District 51". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
- ^ "State Senator 51st Senate District - General Election - November 3, 2020". New York State Board of Elections. December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
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