Key facts
- Anthony Constantino is a Republican candidate in New York's 21st Congressional District primary.
- Constantino has garnered attention for his strong public support of Donald Trump.
- Donald Trump has endorsed Constantino, calling him a "MAGA Warrior."
- Constantino faces opposition from local Republican officials who back his opponent, Robert Smullen.
- The district is a Republican stronghold, with registered Republicans significantly outnumbering Democrats.
In upstate New York, Republican political newcomer Anthony Constantino is leveraging his fervent support for President Donald Trump in his bid for the 21st Congressional District seat. Constantino, who runs a sticker business and has displayed a large "Vote for Trump" sign, recorded a hip-hop album titled "Thank you President Trump," and gifted the president a bronze statue.
Despite a lack of support from local party officials, who largely back his opponent, state Assembly Member Robert Smullen, Constantino has secured an endorsement from Trump himself. Trump praised Constantino and highlighted the continued presence of his "Vote for Trump" sign.
The race is framed as a test of Trump's influence in primaries, pitting Constantino, a self-proclaimed "MAGA Warrior," against Smullen, a former U.S. Marine Corps colonel and state legislator who emphasizes his experience and own ties to Trump. Constantino has attacked Smullen, calling him a "Trump hater" and criticizing the New York GOP establishment.
Smullen, in turn, has defended his conservative credentials and support for Trump, pointing to his legislative experience and past appointments by the president. He has also highlighted Constantino's past registration as a Democrat.
The district, a Republican stronghold covering northern New York including the Adirondacks and Fort Drum, has a significant Republican voter advantage. Political observers note the district's electorate is not aligned with "country club Republicans."