ESSEX COUNTY, New York – Robert Smullen earned the unanimous endorsement of the Essex County Republican Committee during a meeting held tonight, further solidifying growing grassroots and party support across New York’s 21st Congressional District. The Essex County endorsement comes one night after Smullen also received a unanimous endorsement from the Franklin County Republican Party, underscoring strong momentum for his campaign throughout the North Country. Republican leaders and committee members in Essex County cited Smullen’s conservative leadership, deep understanding of North Country priorities, and proven record of putting Upstate First as key reasons for their support. Smullen is a retired Marine Corps Colonel and three-time re-elected State Assemblyman who has represented large portions of the current NY-21 district in Albany. As Chairman of the Assembly Republican Conference, he has been a leading voice on public safety, affordability, rural healthcare access, energy independence, and defending constitutional freedoms. Essex County Republicans also recognized Smullen’s strong support for President Donald Trump and his America First policy agenda, including securing the border, restoring American energy independence, backing law enforcement and the military, and standing up to Washington policies that hurt rural communities. “I am deeply honored to earn the unanimous support of Essex County Republicans,” Smullen said. “From the Adirondacks to the North Country, Republicans are uniting around a campaign that puts our communities first. I have always fought for Upstate New York in Albany, and I am running to bring that same fight to Washington in support of President Trump’s America First policies that put our country, our communities, and our families first.” With the Essex and Franklin County endorsements, Smullen has now earned the backing of more than 55 local and state elected officials from across the Empire State, reflecting broad confidence in his leadership and vision. Smullen is running for Congress to succeed Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and to ensure the North Country and Upstate New York have a strong, battle-tested voice in Washington focused on lowering costs, securing the border, backing law enforcement, supporting veterans, and advancing an America First agenda.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, New York – Robert Smullen has earned the unanimous endorsement of the Franklin County Republican Committee following a vote of the party’s membership – furthering the fact that Robert is the frontrunner in the race for NY-21. The endorsement reflects strong grassroots support from local Republicans who cited Smullen’s conservative leadership, deep understanding of North Country priorities, and proven record of putting Upstate First. Smullen is a retired Marine Corps Colonel and three-time re-elected State Assemblyman who has represented significant portions of New York’s 21st Congressional District. As Chairman of the Assembly Republican Conference, he has been a leading advocate on public safety, rural healthcare access, affordability, energy independence, and defending constitutional freedoms. Franklin County Republicans recognized Smullen’s strong support for President Donald Trump and his America First policy agenda, including securing the border, restoring American energy independence, and backing law enforcement and the military. “I am grateful for the support of Franklin County Republicans and honored to earn their unanimous endorsement through a vote of the party’s members,” Smullen said. “Franklin County embodies the strength, independence, and values of the North Country. I have always put Upstate First in Albany, and I am running to bring that same fight to Washington in support of President Trump’s America First policies that put our country, our communities, and our families first.” The Franklin County endorsement builds on significant momentum for Smullen’s campaign. To date, he has earned the endorsement of more than 55 local and state elected officials from across the Empire State, reflecting broad support from leaders who know their communities and have worked alongside him. Smullen is running for Congress to succeed Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and to ensure the North Country and Upstate New York have a strong, battle-tested voice in Washington focused on lowering costs, securing the border, backing law enforcement, supporting veterans, and advancing an America First agenda. ###
GLOVERSVILLE, New York (Tuesday, December 30, 2025) — Assemblyman Robert Smullen announced the endorsement of Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay on Tuesday, December 30th. Barclay issued the following statement in support of Smullen’s campaign for New York’s 21st Congressional District: “Colonel Robert Smullen spent his career on the frontlines, fighting for our country in the U.S. Marines and fighting for his constituents as a member of the State Assembly. I’m proud to endorse him for New York’s 21st Congressional District. His record of service is second to none. As a decorated Marine Corps Colonel, he retired after 24 years and served three combat tours in Afghanistan. As an Assemblyman, he has always put Upstate First, tackling issues like rural healthcare, taxes and affordability, energy independence, and economic growth. Robert Smullen has been a tremendous member as our Chairman of the Assembly Republican Conference. I know he’ll continue to deliver real results in Congress.” About Robert Smullen Robert Smullen is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel, conservative reformer, and trusted public servant representing New York’s 118th Assembly District. A native Upstate New Yorker and graduate of The Citadel, he served 24 years in the Marine Corps, including three combat tours in Afghanistan, and later helped shape national defense strategy at the Pentagon. Robert was appointed a White House Fellow during his time in the Marines and was later appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows. In Albany, he is a leading conservative voice, currently serving as Chairman of the Assembly Republican Conference. Robert lives in Fulton County with his wife on their family farm, where they raised their four children. He is running for Congress to put Upstate First, defend our freedoms, and deliver results for the North Country and Upstate New York.
GLOVERSVILLE, New York – Assemblyman Robert Smullen released the following statement after Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced she is suspending her campaign for Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress. “I respect and appreciate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s years of dedicated service to NY-21 and the North Country. She has been a strong conservative leader and a tireless advocate for Upstate New York, delivering results for families, workers, and communities across our region. I was proud to support her campaign for Governor. “I also respect her decision to put family first. Public service is demanding, and her commitment to her role as a mother is something every parent can understand and admire. “As this chapter closes, my focus remains on continuing the fight for Upstate and the North Country. Our district deserves experienced, battle-tested leadership that will always put Upstate First. I wish Elise and her family the very best.”
GLOVERSVILLE, New York – Robert Smullen for Congress today announced his first slate of local endorsements. More than 50 elected officials, conservative leaders, and Republican Party figures across NY-21 have formally endorsed Robert Smullen’s campaign for Congress. This broad coalition of support – paired with more than $500,000 raised since launching his campaign a few short weeks ago – makes it clear that Robert Smullen is the undisputed frontrunner in the race to succeed Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District. Smullen, a retired Marine Corps Colonel, three-time Afghanistan combat veteran, and one of the most respected conservative legislators in Albany, has rapidly consolidated the backing of the region’s GOP establishment and grassroots leaders. Conservative Republicans across NY-21 are coalescing around Robert as the candidate best prepared, best funded, and best positioned to continue the district’s strong record of leadership. “I’m deeply honored to have the support of so many leaders from every corner of Upstate New York,” said Robert Smullen, candidate for Congress. “Our campaign is building a coalition rooted in service, integrity, and a commitment to always put Upstate First. Together, we are running a mission-focused campaign that will deliver real results for our families and protect the values that make our region strong.” The more than 50 endorsements reflect support from county officials, supervisors, mayors, sheriffs, GOP officials, veterans, and respected conservative voices who have proudly joined Team Smullen because of his proven record, deep roots in Upstate New York, and strong conservative leadership. A full list of endorsements (as of noon Tuesday, December 9) is included below: Jared Goderie Fulton County Supervisor City of Johnstown Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors Fulton Bob Henke Washington County Supervisor Town of Argyle Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors Pete Vroman Montgomery County Executive Montgomery County Montgomery County Executive Clay Arsenault Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Long Lake Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors Karl Abrams Hamilton County Sheriff Hamilton County Sheriff Amy Praught Mayor City of Johnstown Gary Antonucci Mayor City of Gloversville Mayor Elect Brittany Kolbe County Clerk Montgomery County County Clerk Jeannette Barrett Mayor Speculator Mayor Heather Scribner County Treasurer Fulton County Treasurer Mike Kinowski Fulton County Supervisor City of Johnstown Former Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors John Blackmon Fulton County Supervisor City of Gloversville Former Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors Todd Bradt Fulton County Supervisor Town of Ephratah Town Supervisor Christina VanValkenburgh Fulton County Supervisor Town of Johnstown Town Supervisor Cindy Breh Fulton County Supervisor Town of Oppenheim Town Supervisor Jim Groff Fulton County Supervisor Town of Northampton Former Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors John David Praught Fulton County Supervisor City of Johnstown City Supervisor Jack Callery Former Fulton County Supervisor City of Johnstown Former Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors Warren Greene Former Fulton County Supervisor City of Gloversville Former Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors Brandon Lehr Fulton County Supervisor Town of Mayfield Town Supervisor Constantine Orfan Fulton County Supervisor City of Gloversville City Supervisor Emory Chase Mayor Village of Mayfield Mayor Paul Catucci Town Councilman Town of Johnstown Council Member Amy Ward Town Councilwoman Town of Johnstown Council Member Joel Wilson Town Councilman Town of Johnstown Council Member Ellie Smith Town Councilwoman Town of Ephratah Council Member Greg Hitchcock CIty Council Member City of Gloversville Council Member Elect Jay Zarrelli City Council Member City of Gloversville Council Member Eric Parker City Council Member City of Johnstown Council Member Ralph Desiderio Town Councilman Town of Mayfield Council Member Chris Warner Town Highway Superintendent Town of Mayfield Highway Superintendent Mario Cristaldi Village Trustee Village of Broadalbin Trustee Steve Tomlinson Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Hope Town Supervisor Chris Rhodes Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Arietta Town Supervisor Phil Snyder Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Benson Town Supervisor Brian Wells Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Indian Lake Town Supervisor John Frey Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Inlet Town Supervisor Betsy Bain Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Lake Pleasant Town Supervisor Anthony Fernandez Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Morehouse Town Supervisor Beth Hunt Hamilton County Supervisor Town of Wells Town Supervisor Dana Sherry Mayor Village of Herkimer Mayor Mark Gaworecki Herkimer County Legislator Herkimer County County Legislator Deborah Kaufman Mayor City of Little Falls Mayor Mary Puznowski Mayor Village of Dolgeville Mayor Kelly Wares Herkimer County Legislator Herkimer County County Legislator Don Haehl Herkimer County Legislator Herkimer County County Legislator Anthony Lucenti Herkimer County Legislator Herkimer County County Legislator Dan Stalteri Town Councilman Town of Herkimer Councilmember Dominick Scalise Village Trustee Village of Herkimer Trustee Tom Ellwood Montgomery County Legislator Montgomery County County Legislator Steve Godfrey Town Supervisor Town of Trenton Town Supervisor Keith Scheibel Oneida County Legislator Oneida County County Legislator Larry Denesha Saint Lawrence County Legislator Saint Lawrence County County Legislator Arthur "Mo" Wright Saratoga County Supervisor Town of Hadley Former Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Robert Smullen’s campaign continues to grow in momentum, resources, and grassroots strength as voters across NY-21 unite behind a Marine who has spent his life in service to the nation and to Upstate New York. About Robert Smullen Robert Smullen lives in Fulton County with his wife on their family farm. They have three grown daughters, after having lost their beloved son, AJ, in 2024 to a tragic traffic accident. His campaign will emphasize service over politics and unity over division — putting Upstate families, not special interests, at the center of America’s future. ###
GLOVERSVILLE, New York – The Robert Smullen for Congress campaign today announced a major show of early strength and momentum, raising over $500,000 just days after launching Marine Colonel and Assemblyman Robert Smullen’s campaign for Congress in New York’s 21st District. Smullen – the only Trump-appointed candidate in the race – said the early fundraising reflects the strong, immediate support for his mission-driven, Upstate First campaign. “Upstate families want a proven conservative and a battle-tested leader they can trust,” said Colonel Smullen. “I’m humbled by the immediate outpouring of support since entering this race. Voters know I have the experience, record, and conviction to fight for them every single day – and to always put Upstate First.” A retired Marine Corps Colonel, three-tour Afghanistan combat veteran, and the only candidate personally appointed by President Donald J. Trump, Smullen’s service-first record has resonated deeply with grassroots supporters. His leadership in the New York State Assembly – where he has stood up to one-party rule, defended constitutional freedoms, and delivered results for Upstate communities – has further fueled the early enthusiasm behind his campaign. “This campaign is disciplined, focused, and built to win,” Smullen added. “With this level of support right out of the gate, our campaign is positioned to run an aggressive, winning race and send a Marine to Washington to fight for Upstate.” About Robert Smullen: Robert Smullen is a retired Marine Corps Colonel, combat veteran, White House Fellow, and the only Trump-appointed candidate in NY-21. He serves in the New York State Assembly representing the 118th Assembly District, which includes five of the 15 counties that make up New York’s 21st Congressional District. In Albany, he has been a leading conservative voice standing up to one-party rule and always putting Upstate First.
Smullen is the only Trump Appointed candidate in the race for NY-21
