By Sam Barron
Tuesday, 21 April 2026 06:43 PM EDT
President Donald Trump has endorsed Anthony Constantino in the race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who is not seeking reelection.
Trump selected Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule, over state Assemblyman Robert Smullen, who received endorsements from the New York State Republican Party and the Conservative Party.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Anthony Constantino, who is running to represent the fantastic people of New York’s 21st Congressional District.”
Trump added that Constantino is “strongly supported by many of the most Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in our Movement,” including Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Roger Stone. He also noted that Constantino erected a large “Vote for Trump” sign in Albany, New York, which officials ordered him to remove but he prevailed in court.
The statement further described Constantino as “a Successful Entrepreneur, Businessman, and Professional Boxer” who has “dedicated his life to serving his Community.” Trump claimed that in Congress, Constantino would “fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Constantino expressed honor at receiving the endorsement and stated: “Every primary candidate I endorse wins, so I look forward to winning the general election and making everyone who supported me very proud once I am in Congress.”
Meanwhile, Smullen was seen pacing the Capitol for 30 minutes while on the phone. He blamed Roger Stone for Trump’s endorsement, saying a consultant reached the president “who is being paid by my opponent” and that Trump “has made a mistake.” Smullen also claimed Constantino was “mentally unfit to hold office.”
In a prior exchange, Constantino had called Smullen a “f—- coward,” stating that Smullen did not support the president sufficiently.
Although Trump won New York’s 21st Congressional District by 21 points in 2024, Democrats are hoping the president’s low approval rating can help them pull off an upset. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed optimism about taking Stefanik’s seat at a recent event, stating: “I am so optimistic about our chances this year, I believe we can even take Elise Stefanik’s seat.”
The Cook Political Report lists the race as “Solid R.”
