Key Candidate Drops Out of Race
Republicans received a major boost Friday in one of New York’s most closely watched congressional races after State Assemblyman Robert Smullen officially ended his campaign, clearing the way for President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate to face the Democratic nominee in November.
Smullen announced he would not accept the Conservative Party ballot line after meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office earlier this week. His decision effectively eliminates the possibility of a three-way race and unifies Republican support behind Anthony Constantino in New York’s 21st Congressional District.
The district, currently represented by Rep. Elise Stefanik, has become a closely watched battleground as Republicans work to keep the seat in GOP hands during the upcoming midterm elections.
Smullen Steps Aside After Primary Loss
Under New York election law, Friday marked the deadline for candidates to accept or decline ballot lines for the November general election. Smullen chose to withdraw, ending his bid for Congress after falling short in the Republican primary.
According to unofficial New York State Board of Elections results, Constantino defeated Smullen by a margin of roughly 58% to 39% in the June 23 primary.
Smullen had entered the race with backing from the New York Republican Party, the Conservative Party, and most of the district’s county Republican committees. However, Constantino’s self-funded campaign and endorsement from President Trump helped propel him to a decisive victory.
Trump’s Endorsement Proved Pivotal
Constantino, the CEO of Sticker Mule, secured President Trump’s endorsement in April, giving his campaign significant momentum throughout the Republican primary.
Trump’s backing helped unify many conservative voters behind the businessman despite Smullen’s support from much of the state’s Republican establishment.
Following his decision to exit the race, Smullen said he was honored to meet with President Trump and indicated they discussed additional opportunities for public service. He also expressed confidence that Trump’s strategy would help Republicans retain the congressional seat.
Smullen described his meeting with President Trump as a great honor in a statement released after the visit.
Conservative Party Weighs Next Move
New York Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar said he spoke with Smullen shortly before the filing deadline while the assemblyman was still considering whether to remain in the race.
With Smullen now officially withdrawn, the Conservative Party may choose to nominate another candidate for its ballot line or leave the position vacant in November.
Either option leaves Constantino as the clear Republican standard-bearer heading into the general election.
Constantino praised Smullen after the announcement, thanking his former opponent for a competitive campaign that energized Republican voters and strengthened the party ahead of November.
Democrat Blake Gendebien Awaits General Election
On the Democratic side, St. Lawrence County dairy farmer Blake Gendebien secured his party’s nomination with approximately 65% of the vote, defeating restaurant owner Stuart Amoriell in the Democratic primary.
Gendebien will now face Constantino in the November 3 general election for the seat Stefanik has held since first winning election in 2014.
Democratic campaign officials said the race now presents voters with a direct choice between two candidates. They criticized Constantino over workforce reductions and automation at Sticker Mule while highlighting Gendebien’s campaign priorities of lowering everyday costs for families and protecting healthcare access in rural communities.
A High-Stakes Race For Republicans
With Smullen no longer in the race, Republicans are entering the general election united behind President Trump’s endorsed candidate in one of New York’s most important congressional contests.
The district has remained in Republican hands for nearly a decade under Stefanik’s leadership, and GOP strategists view keeping the seat as an important step toward maintaining their strength in the House of Representatives.
For Democrats, flipping the district would represent a significant victory in a region that has consistently favored Republicans in recent election cycles.
As the campaign shifts toward November, the contest between Constantino and Gendebien is expected to draw increased national attention, with both parties investing heavily in a race that could help shape the balance of power in Congress.
