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GLOVERSVILLE, New York (April 6, 2026) – Assemblyman Robert Smullen today submitted 8,988 Republican petition signatures to secure his place on the June 23 Republican primary ballot in New York’s 21st Congressional District, demonstrating overwhelming grassroots support across the North Country and Upstate New York. In addition, Smullen submitted 881 Conservative Party petition signatures, further underscoring the breadth of his coalition. Combined, nearly 10,000 NY-21 voters signed petitions to put Smullen on the ballot and make clear they want to see him as their next Congressman. “This campaign has always been about the people of Upstate New York,” said Smullen. “Nearly 10,000 voters stepped up, signed their names, and said they want a battle-tested conservative who will fight for them in Washington and stand with President Trump to deliver the America First agenda. I am proud of the thousands of volunteers and supporters across NY-21 who made this possible.” Smullen’s petition effort was powered by a large network of volunteers across all corners of the district, reflecting the campaign’s growing strength and organization heading into the June primary. That momentum is reinforced by a broad and growing coalition of support. Smullen has earned the endorsement of the New York State Republican Party, the New York State Conservative Party, and 12 of the 15 Republican county committees across NY-21, including Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Oneida, St. Lawrence, Warren, Washington, and Clinton counties. He is also endorsed by every Republican member of the New York State Assembly, representing the frontline leaders advancing President Trump’s agenda in New York, as well as strong backing from law enforcement and grassroots conservative leaders across the district. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel with 24 years of service, including three combat tours in Afghanistan, Smullen has built his campaign on a message of service, strength, and delivering results for Upstate families. With ballot access now secured, the Smullen campaign will continue expanding its grassroots operation and communicating its vision to voters across NY-21 ahead of the June 23 primary.

GLOVERSVILLE, New York (April 2, 2026) – Assemblyman Robert Smullen today announced the unanimous endorsement of the Clinton County Republican Committee, marking his 12th county committee endorsement out of 15 across New York’s 21st Congressional District and further solidifying his status as the clear frontrunner in the race. Smullen now holds overwhelming institutional support, including endorsements from the New York State Republican Party, the New York State Conservative Party, and every single Republican member of the New York State Assembly – a unified show of strength that no other candidate in the race can match. “This campaign is about standing up for the people of Upstate New York and delivering on the America First agenda that is putting our country back on track,” said Smullen. “I am proud to stand with President Donald J. Trump and fight for secure borders, lower taxes, energy independence, and the constitutional freedoms that make this country great. The voters of NY-21 are sending a clear message – they want a proven conservative fighter, not a self-funded candidate trying to buy a seat in Congress.” The Clinton County endorsement builds on a growing coalition of support across the North Country and Upstate, where Republican leaders are uniting behind Smullen’s record of service, leadership, and results. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel with three combat tours in Afghanistan, Smullen has spent his life serving the country and fighting for American values. In Albany, he has taken on one-party rule, defended law enforcement, and consistently delivered for Upstate communities. Now, with overwhelming support from grassroots leaders, elected officials, and party organizations across the district, Smullen is leading a campaign focused on winning in November and advancing President Trump’s America First agenda in Congress.

GLOVERSVILLE, New York (April 1, 2026) – Assemblyman Robert Smullen today condemned Anthony Constantino for spreading what he called a “sick and depraved” conspiracy theory after antisemitic merchandise was discovered being sold through Constantino’s Sticker Mule marketplace. The product in question featured an offensive cartoon image with the phrase “The Jews Did This” – a vile and unmistakably antisemitic message. While Constantino claims the marketplace allows third-party uploads, the products are manufactured and fulfilled by his company upon purchase. Instead of taking responsibility and committing to stronger safeguards, Constantino falsely accused Smullen of planting the antisemitic content . “This is sick and depraved,” said Smullen. “Anthony Constantino is mentally and morally unfit to represent NY-21. Instead of taking responsibility for what is happening on his own platform, he is pushing dangerous lies and conspiracy theories.” National watchdog group Stop Antisemitism publicly called out the merchandise and tagged major companies that do business with Sticker Mule, including Microsoft, Google, Nike, and Lululemon, raising serious questions about Constantino’s business practices and oversight. Constantino’s response was to claim, without evidence, that Smullen orchestrated the posting of the antisemitic material. “There is zero evidence for this lie because it is completely fabricated,” Smullen added. “Anthony Constantino would rather smear others than answer for the fact that his company produced and sold antisemitic merchandise.” This latest incident adds to a growing pattern of behavior from Constantino, who has repeatedly made false claims and only acted when caught. Public reporting has also raised questions about his business practices and past conduct, including tax issues across multiple states. “Voters in NY-21 deserve serious leadership,” Smullen said. “What we are seeing from Anthony Constantino is reckless, dishonest, and beneath the office he is seeking.”

GLOVERSVILLE, New York (March 30, 2026) – Following reporting from POLITICO on a formal complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission , 21st Congressional District Conservative Republican candidate Robert Smullen said the filing makes clear that Anthony Constantino broke federal campaign finance law and is calling on him to immediately withdraw from the race for Congress. According to the complaint, Constantino and his campaign committee used campaign funds to promote his personal business, Sticker Mule – a direct violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act. The filing outlines that advertisements paid for by “Constantino for Congress” promoted Sticker Mule products and services rather than legitimate campaign activity and were funded through campaign accounts – a direct violation of federal campaign finance law. The complaint further documents that Constantino’s campaign spent between approximately $368,600 and $422,800 on these advertisements through Google’s platform. Additionally, the complaint states that Constantino accepted at least 1,200 orders for campaign-related merchandise through his personal business without properly reporting the revenue as required under federal law. “The facts in this complaint are clear. Anthony Constantino repeatedly broke the law,” said Robert Smullen. “He used campaign funds to benefit his own business and failed to properly report campaign activity. That is corruption, plain and simple.” “Running for Congress is serious business, anyone who thinks the law does not apply to them or is in this to enrich themselves, is not fit to serve in Congress. Based on these facts, Anthony Constantino should drop out of this race immediately.” Smullen emphasized that voters in NY-21 deserve leadership grounded in integrity and accountability. The complaint calls on the FEC to conduct a formal investigation and take appropriate action.

ALBANY, New York (March 23, 2026) – Assemblyman Robert Smullen today announced that every member of the New York Assembly Republican Conference — the top leaders of President Donald J. Trump’s movement in New York and the frontline fighters for his America First agenda — has endorsed his campaign for Congress in New York’s 21st Congressional District. The unified endorsement from Assembly Republicans underscores Smullen’s position as the clear front-runner in the Republican primary and the candidate best positioned to carry President Trump’s agenda to Washington. The support of these battle-tested conservative leaders builds on Smullen’s growing and unmatched coalition, including the endorsements of the Republican Party of New York, the Conservative Party of New York, and 11 of 15 Republican county committees across NY-21. The campaign’s endorsement sheet confirms support from the full Assembly Republican Conference. “I'm honored to have the support of my Republican colleagues in the Assembly,” said Smullen. “They know my record, they know my values, and they know I have spent my life fighting for our country and for Upstate New York. This campaign is about experience, leadership, and who is prepared to go to Washington and deliver results. I am ready for that fight.” Smullen brings a record and résumé no one else in the field can match. He is the only Trump-appointed candidate in this race, having been appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows. He is a 24-year Marine Corps veteran who served three combat tours in Afghanistan, rose to the rank of Colonel, helped shape national defense strategy at the Pentagon, and now serves as a small business owner, husband, father, and one of the most respected conservative leaders in Albany. In the Assembly, Smullen has earned the trust of his colleagues through a record of conservative leadership and results. He serves as Chairman of the Republican Conference, was elected Chair of the Assembly Republican Review Committee by his peers, and has been a leading voice for lower taxes, public safety, constitutional rights, and the Upstate communities too often ignored by Albany Democrats. “Republicans across New York understand that this campaign has the support, the momentum, and the message to win,” Smullen said. “We are going to win this primary, unite this district, stand with President Trump to deliver his America First agenda in Congress, and take on the woke left that has done so much damage to our state and our country.” Endorsing Members of the New York Assembly Republican Conference: Jodi Giglio (2nd District), Joseph DeStefano (3rd District), Doug Smith (5th District), Jarett Gandolfo (7th District), Michael Fitzpatrick (8th District), Michael Durso (9th District), Keith Brown (12th District), David McDonough (14th District), Jake Blumencranz (15th District), Daniel Norber (16th District), John Mikulin (17th District), Edward Ra (19th District), Eric Ari Brown (20th District), Michael Novakhov (45th District), Alec Brook-Krasny (46th District), Lester Chang (49th District), Michael Reilly (62nd District), Samuel Pirozzolo (63rd District), Michael Tannousis (64th District), Matthew Slater (94th District), Karl Brabenec (98th District), Brian Maher (101st District), Christopher Tague (102nd District), Anil Beephan Jr. (105th District), Scott H. Bendett (107th District), Mary Beth Walsh (112th District), Matthew Simpson (114th District), Scott Gray (116th District), Kenneth Blankenbush (117th District), William Barclay (120th District), Joe Angelino (121st District), Brian Miller (122nd District), Christopher Friend (124th District), John Lemondes Jr. (126th District), Brian Manktelow (130th District), Jeff Gallahan (131st District), Philip Palmesano (132nd District), Andrea K. Bailey (133rd District), Josh Jensen (134th District), Stephen Hawley (139th District), Patrick Chludzinski (143rd District), Paul Bologna (144th District), Angelo J. Morinello (145th District), David DiPietro (147th District), Joe Sempolinski (148th District), Andrew Molitor (150th District).

NY GOP picks a side in Stefanik successor race By NICK REISMAN (POLITICO New York) | 03/18/2026 06:00 AM EDT The New York GOP is taking the rare step of declaring a favorite in a contentio us House primary, backing Assemblymember Robert Smullen to succeed retiring Rep. Elise Stefanik. The nod from the state Republican committee and its chair, Ed Cox, solidifies Smullen as the clear establishment favorite over his upstart rival, Anthony Constantino. And the endorsement sets up a high-stakes battle between a staid lawmaker with a long resume in public life and the military against a colorful sticker entrepreneur who memorably erected a large sign supporting President Donald Trump. “I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the New York State Republican Party,” Smullen said in a statement to Playbook. “As the only Trump-appointed candidate in this race, I’m proud to have earned the trust and support of leaders from across NY-21, including the Conservative Party of New York, who are united around a shared mission — bringing strong, conservative leadership back to Washington.” Republicans do not relish the possibility of an intraparty feud in this sprawling and mostly rural House district that stretches from the outskirts of the Capital Region to the Canadian border. Searing memories persist in the region of the 2009 battle between Republican candidate Dede Scozzafava and Conservative Party favorite Doug Hoffman, which ultimately led to Democrat Bill Owens’ victory in the deep red district. But Constantino has been a source of agita for some institutional party officials dating back to last year, when Stefanik was initially expected to resign to become Trump’s United Nations ambassador. A messy process to replace her, in which Constantino was one of the hopefuls, devolved into a dispute still playing out in court. State Conservative Chair Gerard Kassar is suing him for defamation , after Constantino claimed the party leader threatened to kill him. Kassar, who has also endorsed Smullen, denied making a death threat . Constantino has denied any wrongdoing. Yet he’s brought a Trumpian flare to the race — a sharp contrast with Smullen, a studious state lawmaker and retired Marine colonel. Constantino has referred to Kassar as “Fat Jerry” and derided another would-be rival , Republican Liz Joy, for having a “LOSER” mentality. Stefanik, who dropped her bid for governor last year, is vacating a House seat she’s held comfortably for the last decade. During that time in office, she has become a staunch Trump supporter and defended him during his first impeachment. Yet Stefanik didn’t immediately embrace the MAGA movement — she was largely drafted into it after coming up as a protégé of wonkish former House Speaker Paul Ryan. The race to replace her will test whether a Republican like Smullen with his institutional ties can defeat an unconventional candidate like Constantino — running free of formal party backing, but making an appeal directly to voters. A Democratic victory in the district, which Trump easily won three times, would be unthinkable for Republicans, even in a tough election cycle. But a messy GOP fight stands to potentially make the job of holding the seat all the harder. — Nick Reisman

LEE, New York – The Town of Lee Republican Committee has unanimously endorsed Assemblyman Robert Smullen in his campaign for Congress in New York’s 21st Congressional District. Committee members cited Smullen’s record of service, conservative leadership, and commitment to Upstate New York as key reasons for their support. “Robert Smullen has consistently stood up for the values that matter to our community,” Chairman Doug Singleton said. “From defending our constitutional rights to fighting for Upstate taxpayers, he has the leadership and integrity needed to represent our district in Washington.” Smullen thanked the committee for their support and said grassroots backing from local Republican organizations is critical to building momentum across the district. “I’m honored to have the support of the Town of Lee Republican Committee,” said Smullen. “Our campaign is about putting Upstate first – lowering the cost of living, defending our freedoms, and making sure our communities have a strong voice in Washington.” Smullen is a retired Marine Corps Colonel who served 24 years in the United States Marine Corps, including multiple combat deployments, before continuing his service representing the region in the New York State Assembly. He has been endorsed by 11 of the 15 Republican county committees and is the presumptive nominee of the New York Conservative Party.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, New York (March 2, 2026) – The Franklin County Conservative Party has endorsed Assemblyman Robert Smullen for Congress in New York’s 21st Congressional District, adding to growing support throughout Upstate and the North Country. “I am honored to earn the endorsement of the Franklin County Conservative Party,” said Smullen. “I have spent my life serving this country – in combat, in the White House, and in Albany – and I will continue standing up for our constitutional rights, our law enforcement officers, our veterans, and the hardworking families of Upstate New York. I am proud to stand with President Trump and advance an America First agenda that puts our communities first.” With this endorsement, Smullen has earned support from the following Republican and Conservative Party committees:  New York State Conservative Party Essex County Conservative Party Essex County Republican Committee Franklin County Conservative Party Franklin County Republican Committee Fulton County Republican Committee Hamilton County Republican Committee Herkimer County Conservative Committee Jefferson County Republican Committee Lewis County Republican Committee Oneida County Conservative Committee Schoharie County Republican Committee St. Lawrence County Conservative Party St. Lawrence County Republican Committee Warren County Conservative Committee Warren County Republican Committee Washington County Republican Committee Smullen is the presumptive nominee of the New York State Conservative Party and will appear on the ballot in November. He was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to continue serving his country on the Commission on White House Fellows and remains focused on taking the fight for Upstate values to Washington.