Peter Oberacker

Peter Oberacker is an American politician and businessman currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 51st district. A member of the Republican and Conservative parties, he was first elected to the Senate in 2020 and took office in January 2021. Oberacker succeeded longtime incumbent James Seward and has since been involved in various legislative initiatives. His district encompasses parts of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster counties, reflecting changes made during the 2020 United States redistricting cycle. In addition to his legislative role, Oberacker has announced his candidacy for New York's 19th congressional district in the upcoming 2026 elections.

Early life and career

Peter Oberacker was born on May 13, 1963, in Merrick, New York. He pursued higher education at the State University of New York at Delhi, graduating in 1983. Following his graduation, Oberacker joined his father in managing Spicey Pete's Meats, a local market located in Schenevus, New York. His work in the food industry led him to become a research chef and food scientist, where he specialized in various meat products.

Oberacker's entry into politics began at the local level when he was elected to the Maryland Town Board, where he served two terms. His political career progressed as he was subsequently elected town supervisor, a position he held for another two terms. Following his tenure as supervisor, he was elected as an Otsego County legislator, further solidifying his involvement in local governance.

In 2020, Oberacker was encouraged by retiring Senator James Seward to run for the New York State Senate seat that Seward had occupied for many years. Oberacker successfully won the election, securing 55.4 percent of the vote. He officially took office in January 2021, marking the beginning of his legislative career at the state level.

Legislative service

Since taking office, Oberacker has been active in the New York State Senate, where he has introduced and supported various pieces of legislation. His legislative efforts reflect a focus on issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader New York community. One of his notable early achievements was the passage of a bill designating baseball as the official state sport of New York, inspired by students from Cooperstown Elementary School. This bill received overwhelming support in the Senate, passing with a significant majority.

In addition to his work on recreational legislation, Oberacker has also been vocal about utility regulation. In June 2025, he called for a comprehensive investigation into the practices of utility companies, including New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG). He introduced the "Ratepayer Bill of Rights," aimed at establishing fundamental rights for utility customers, addressing issues such as accurate billing and fair compensation for service outages.

Oberacker has also taken an interest in food safety legislation. He co-sponsored the bipartisan "New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act," which seeks to ban certain food additives and colorants linked to health risks, including cancer and hormone disruption. This legislation mandates that packaged food companies provide more detailed information about the additives in their products, thereby enhancing consumer awareness and safety.

Despite his active participation in various legislative initiatives, Oberacker has also taken stances that reflect his personal beliefs. Notably, he voted against the bill that legalized recreational marijuana use in New York, which was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on March 31, 2021.

Policy focus and district

Oberacker's policy focus encompasses a range of issues that reflect the needs and interests of his constituents in the 51st district. His advocacy for utility regulation and consumer rights highlights a commitment to ensuring fair practices within essential services. By calling for investigations into utility companies and introducing protective legislation, he aims to address concerns that many residents may have regarding service reliability and billing practices.

In the realm of food safety, Oberacker's support for the "New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act" demonstrates his dedication to public health and consumer protection. By working to ban harmful additives and promote transparency in food labeling, he seeks to enhance the safety of food products available to New Yorkers.

Oberacker's legislative initiatives also reflect a connection to local culture and community values, as seen in his efforts to designate baseball as the state sport. This initiative not only honors a beloved pastime but also acknowledges the cultural significance of the sport in New York, particularly in areas like Cooperstown, known as the birthplace of baseball.

As a representative of a diverse district that includes parts of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster counties, Oberacker's legislative work is shaped by the unique characteristics and needs of these communities. His background in local governance provides him with insights into the challenges faced by residents, allowing him to advocate effectively on their behalf.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Oberacker has announced his candidacy for New York's 19th congressional district, indicating his intention to expand his political career at the federal level. This move reflects his ongoing commitment to public service and engagement in the political landscape of New York.

Oberacker resides in Schenevus, New York, with his wife, Shannon, whom he describes as his high school sweetheart. Together, they have two children and four grandchildren. He is also actively involved in his local community, serving as a member of the fire department and emergency medical services squad, further demonstrating his dedication to public service beyond his legislative role.