Constantino Escalates NY-21 Showdown, Calls on Smullen to Exit Race After Dispute Over Union Endorsement

Trump-Endorsed Business Leader Says Voters Deserve Transparency and Accountability as Republican Primary Contest Intensifies

By: Fern Sidman

The Republican primary contest for New York’s 21st Congressional District entered a new and dramatic phase on Sunday as businessman and Trump-endorsed candidate Anthony Constantino issued a forceful public statement calling on his opponent, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, to withdraw from the race immediately following what Constantino described as a serious breach of trust with voters.

Fresh off what supporters characterized as a commanding debate performance and a campaign that has steadily gained momentum across the district, Constantino sharpened his criticism of Smullen while emphasizing what he believes are fundamental issues of honesty, accountability, and integrity in public life.

The statement, released on Sunday, reflected the increasingly high stakes of a primary contest that has drawn considerable attention from Republican voters throughout the North Country and beyond. Constantino, the founder and chief executive officer of Sticker Mule and the recipient of President Donald Trump’s endorsement, framed the controversy as one that transcends ordinary political disagreements and instead strikes at the core question of whether voters can trust the candidates seeking to represent them in Congress.

“I am calling on Robert Smullen to drop out immediately for egregiously lying to voters that he didn’t accept the endorsement of the Teachers Union and would reject it when he posted thanking them for the endorsement,” Constantino declared.

He continued with a blunt assessment of the situation. “This egregious lying is totally unacceptable.”

The remarks underscored Constantino’s effort to position himself as a political outsider committed to transparency and direct communication with voters, a theme that has become central to his campaign.

Throughout the race, Constantino has sought to distinguish himself from career politicians by emphasizing his background as a successful entrepreneur and job creator rather than a traditional elected official.

Supporters frequently point to his record in the private sector, where he built Sticker Mule into a globally recognized enterprise headquartered in upstate New York. The company employs more than 1,000 workers and has become one of the region’s most prominent business success stories.

Constantino has repeatedly argued that his experience creating jobs, navigating economic challenges, and managing a large organization provides him with a practical understanding of the issues facing working families, small businesses, and taxpayers.

Unlike many candidates who spend years advancing through political institutions, Constantino has presented himself as someone entering public service from outside the established political hierarchy.

That message appears to resonate strongly with many Republican voters who have grown increasingly skeptical of traditional political structures and party establishments.

His campaign has consistently emphasized independence from special interests, a willingness to challenge entrenched political forces, and a commitment to what supporters describe as common-sense leadership.

A major turning point in the race came when President Donald Trump issued his endorsement of Constantino, providing a significant boost to the businessman’s campaign.

Within Republican circles, Trump’s endorsement carries substantial weight and has helped reinforce Constantino’s image as a candidate aligned with the broader America First movement.

Supporters view the endorsement as recognition not only of Constantino’s political positions but also of his willingness to endure public criticism and commercial backlash for his beliefs.

Throughout the campaign, Constantino has frequently highlighted his support for President Trump and has portrayed himself as following a similar path by entering politics after achieving success in business.

His supporters argue that his willingness to self-fund his campaign further demonstrates his independence from traditional political fundraising networks and special-interest influence.

Sunday’s statement marked one of the sharpest attacks Constantino has directed toward Smullen since the campaign began.

At issue is an endorsement dispute that Constantino claims reveals a troubling contradiction between Smullen’s public statements and his actions. According to Constantino, voters were led to believe that Smullen would reject the endorsement in question, only for evidence to emerge indicating appreciation for that support.

For Constantino, the issue is not merely about endorsements themselves but rather about consistency and credibility. His criticism reflects a broader campaign theme that elected officials should be judged not only by what they say but also by what they do.

Supporters contend that voters are increasingly frustrated by political double-speak and are seeking representatives who communicate directly and honestly.

In that context, Constantino’s response appears designed to reinforce his image as a candidate unwilling to tolerate what he perceives as political gamesmanship.

Perhaps equally notable was the second portion of Constantino’s statement, in which he broadened his criticism beyond his opponent and directed attention toward political insiders whom he believes have played a role in supporting Smullen.

“The Party Bosses backing Smullen are also on notice that they better become good people soon or I will never let anyone forget what they did,” Constantino said.

He concluded with an unmistakably emphatic warning. “I am not joking!”

The language reflected the populist tone that has become increasingly common throughout Constantino’s campaign. Rather than portraying the race solely as a contest between two individuals, he has often framed it as a larger struggle between grassroots voters and entrenched political establishments.

That message has found an audience among Republicans who believe that political insiders have exercised excessive influence over candidate selection and policy priorities.

The statement also comes at a moment when Constantino’s campaign appears increasingly confident about its trajectory.

Following the recent debate between the two candidates, supporters argued that Constantino demonstrated a strong command of policy issues while projecting optimism, confidence, and leadership.

His campaign has highlighted a sharp contrast in temperament and style between the candidates.

Constantino has repeatedly sought to present himself as forward-looking and solutions-oriented, focusing on economic growth, job creation, public safety, and government accountability.

Supporters argue that his business background enables him to approach problems pragmatically rather than ideologically.

That perception has contributed to growing enthusiasm among many voters who view private-sector experience as an asset in public office.

As the primary campaign enters its final stages, the stakes continue to rise.

The winner of the Republican contest will be positioned to compete for one of the most closely watched congressional seats in the region.

For Constantino, the campaign has become an opportunity to advance a broader message about leadership, accountability, and political reform.

His supporters see him as a candidate willing to challenge conventional assumptions and confront powerful interests when necessary.

Sunday’s statement demonstrated that he remains prepared to engage aggressively when he believes voters are being misled.

Whether the controversy ultimately reshapes the dynamics of the race remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Constantino is entering the final stretch of the campaign with considerable momentum, heightened visibility, and a growing reputation as one of the most outspoken and unconventional Republican candidates in the country.

As voters prepare to make their decision, the contest continues to highlight competing visions not only for New York’s 21st Congressional District but also for the future direction of Republican politics itself. For Anthony Constantino and his supporters, the message remains straightforward: leadership begins with honesty, accountability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.