In Antonio Delgado's first media interview since his election win, he spoke about the start of his legislative career as he transitions from candidate to congressman.
Delgado won Tuesday with 49.26 percent of the vote, replacing incumbent John Faso, R-Kinderhook, in New York's 19th Congressional District. He will be joining a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives in the 116th Congress.
He fielded questions about regional and federal issues in the 30-minute phone interview, expounding upon the ideas he championed throughout his campaign such as expanding access to healthcare, bipartisanship and government transparency.
With Congress now split, there is some hope of bipartisanship, especially in the area of infrastructure. As a representative in a swing district, Delgado vowed to reach across the aisle, saying he was “all for collaboration and cooperation.”
Delgado said his top priorities are working to support legislation on a public option for healthcare, infrastructure and economic development for rural areas.
Delgado said he's interested in joining the House's agriculture, education and workforce and infrastructure committees. Taking part in these would allow him to support the needs of the district, he said.
While on the campaign trail, Delgado promised to host multiple town halls in the district and to be beholden and available to his constituents. He told reporters Friday that he wanted to make himself accessible while managing the demands of Washington D.C.
To do so, he said, he is working closely with people such as former Rep. Chris Gibson — Faso's Republican predecessor in the district — and other local leaders to keep those promises.
When asked whether he would vote for Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as Speaker of the House, he said he doesn't have enough information to make a decision yet.
“I have not pledged my support to anybody,” Delgado said. “I will make my decision based on facts, knowledge and being informed of the dynamics in D.C.”
He also reaffirmed his support of bipartisan legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into the possible collusion between Russian and President Donald Trump's campaign during the 2016 presidential election
As for local issues, he said he wanted to continue advocacy efforts for the Delaware River watershed, supporting wetland preservation and maximizing the value of the region's natural resources.
Delgado spoke of a holistic approach to developing infrastructure that supports renewable energies and job training investments.
“We have so much investment in fossil fuels right now and the way we speak about infrastructure build-out facilitates the distribution of fossil fuels, and we have to be more focused and intentional about moving towards a green-energy economy,” Delgado said.
“It's important how we define infrastructure and the way that can be beneficial to people here at home,” Delgado said. “Not just for our environment, but to create jobs that are more future-oriented.”
Whitney Bashaw, staff writer, can be reached at 607-441-7218 or wbashaw@thedailystar.com . Follow her on Twitter @DS_WhitneyB .
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