Peter Oberacker

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
Incumbent
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. (1963-05-13) May 13, 1963 (age 62) 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

Oberacker 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

Marijuana

Oberacker 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

Oberacker'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

Oberacker 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

New York's 51st district state senate election, 2020^[8][9]

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