Upstate New York Democratic congressional candidate Josh Riley was forced to pull a campaign ad of him at his old high school — because he didn’t get permission to shoot on the property, The Post has learned.
The Union Endicott Central School District received inquiries about the school’s involvement in the ad from community members and subsequently asked Riley’s campaign to take it off the air, school district officials said.
“As a public institution dedicated to education, we maintain a neutral position and do not endorse or support any political candidates or parties,” a spokesperson for the district said in a statement.
“Our focus is on providing a quality education and supporting the well-being of our students, regardless of external political influences.”
In the ad, Riley has a heavily scripted conversation with his old football coach on the stands of the Union-Endicott High School’s stadium.
Union Endicott’s school board was briefed on the matter during a meeting Monday.
School officials said Riley’s campaign pulled down the ads the same day they raised the issue.
Riley’s campaign is also distributing yard signs using the school’s colors and emblazoned with a tiger paw to resemble its mascot.
Sources also told The Post that Riley’s campaign previously tried to hold a press conference on school grounds, but were asked to move back to the sidewalk off the property.
Riley’s campaign did not return a request for comment.
Riley is running against incumbent GOP Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY) in one of the closest and most expensive races in New York and nationwide.
The campaigns as well as outside dark money groups have spent an eye-popping $26 million in the race to-date.
