FACTS VS. LIES
Anthony Constantino’s False Claims – Exposed
CONSTANTINO’S CLAIM:
“Robert was arrested on a first-degree felony for filing false veteran tax-exemption paperwork.”
THE FACTS:
In 2018, Robert filed a veteran tax exemption on two properties. He identified the error, immediately removed the exemption, and reimbursed the town. The charge was resolved and reduced to a violation – not a felony. Robert went on to win his Assembly race that same year and has served honorably ever since.
Meanwhile, Anthony Constantino has had at least three tax liens in three different states since 2018, totaling more than $14,000.
CONSTANTINO’S CLAIM:
“Robert Smullen is endorsed by the ultra liberal New York State Teachers Union.”
THE FACTS:
Robert Smullen is not endorsed by any teachers unions and would not accept an endorsement from radical left union of any kind.
CONSTANTINO’S CLAIM:
“Robert voted YES on radical left-wing bills in the State Assembly.”
THE FACTS:
Robert Smullen is the Chairman of the Assembly Republican Conference and one of the most conservative members of the New York State Legislature. His record reflects that.
The Adult Survivors Act, which Constantino specifically attacks, passed the Assembly 140–3 – with near-unanimous bipartisan support. The law gave survivors of sexual assault their day in court. Attacking it is not a conservative position.
Robert has consistently fought against radical policies in Albany, including the state budget, bail reform, and the Green Light Law.
CONSTANTINO’S CLAIM:
“Robert refused to endorse President Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024.”
THE FACTS:
Robert has been a rock-solid supporter of President Trump from the beginning. Robert voted for President Donald J. Trump in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Republican presidential primaries. He was appointed by President Trump in 2018 to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows. Robert attended the President’s inauguration in 2017 and 2025 and endorsed the President in all of his elections.
Anthony Constantino did not vote in the 2016 presidential primary. He did not vote in the 2020 Republican presidential primary because he was not a registered Republican. He registered as a Democrat in 2018 during the first Trump Administration, and re-registered as a Democrat again in 2022. He did not register as a Republican until 2024, when he decided to run for Congress.
Federal records also show Constantino donated to Democrat Paul Tonko – who later voted to impeach President Trump.
Anthony Constantino is a fraud who is lying to voters to distract them from his dangerous record.
CONSTANTINO’S CLAIM:
“Robert secretly plotted and threatened to primary our great Rep. Elise Stefanik.”
THE FACTS:
Robert announced his candidacy for NY-21 only after Congresswoman Stefanik announced she would not seek re-election to Congress. There was no “secret plot.” The timeline is public record. And the stories in the media are simply not true.
Robert has praised Congresswoman Stefanik repeatedly and they have campaigned together for years, stating at his campaign launch: “Elise has been a fantastic Congresswoman. I’m going to be following in her footsteps.”
Robert Smullen has been proud to endorse Rep. Elise Stefanik throughout her time in Congress and has been honored to receive her endorsement and her support, including Rep. Elise Stefanik fundraising and campaigning for Robert Smullen’s Assembly campaigns.
CONSTANTINO’S CLAIM:
“Robert cashed in on a taxpayer-funded solar farm on his land.”
THE FACTS:
This claim is completely false. Robert and his family live on a working farm in Fulton County. Thousands of property owners across upstate New York participate in solar programs, Robert’s is not funded by taxpayers in any way.
Anthony Constantino, a self-funded multimillionaire, is spending millions of his own dollars to buy this congressional seat where he was never registered to vote in before. Voters should ask who is really in this race for personal gain.
CONSTANTINO’S CLAIM:
“Robert called running for office his ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ for his own personal gain.”
THE FACTS:
At his campaign launch, Robert responded to a reporter's question: “This is the opportunity of a lifetime, only coming around every ten years or so.” He was referring to the opportunity to serve the people of NY-21 – not personal gain.
At the same event, Robert said: “Service is in my blood. I’m the person that’s going to be able to take our voice and our values now to Washington, D.C.” Robert Smullen served 24 years in the United States Marine Corps. His record of service speaks for itself.
CONSTANTINO’S CLAIM:
“Anthony Constantino is the real America First Trump-endorsed candidate.”
THE FACTS:
Anthony Constantino registered as a Democrat in 2018 and again in 2022. He donated to Democrat Paul Tonko, who voted to impeach President Trump. He did not register as a Republican until 2024.
Robert Smullen is a lifelong Republican who voted for President Trump in every primary, was appointed by the President, and is endorsed by the New York State Republican Party, the New York State Conservative Party, 12 of 15 Republican county committees in NY-21, and every Republican member of the New York State Assembly.
Anthony Constantino has declined four invitations to debate Robert Smullen. Voters deserve to know why.
Robert Smullen – Marine. Conservative. Upstate First.
