Robert Smullen Announces Campaign for Congress

Smullen is the only Trump Appointed candidate in the race for NY-21

Trump Appointed. Battle Tested. Upstate First.

GLOVERSVILLE, New York – Robert Smullen, a retired Marine Corps Colonel,  Trump appointee, respected conservative leader, and current New York State Assemblyman, today announced his campaign for Congress in New York’s 21st District. A lifelong Upstate New Yorker and steadfast supporter of President Donald J. Trump’s America First agenda, Smullen is running to bring service, strength, and common sense to Washington.

“For too long, Washington has forgotten the people of Upstate New York,” said Smullen. “As a Marine and a public servant, I’ve dedicated my life to defending our freedoms, fighting for our communities, and putting people before politics. It’s time to send a servant leader to Washington who will always put Upstate First.”

Smullen currently represents New York’s 118th Assembly District, where he has earned a reputation as one of Albany’s strongest voices for conservative reform. A graduate of The Citadel and a native of Upstate New York, he has fought tirelessly against one-party rule, worked to lower taxes, defend the Constitution, and restore common sense to state government.

Before entering public service, Smullen spent 24 years in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Colonel and leading troops in combat during three tours in Afghanistan. He also served at the Pentagon, shaping national defense strategy, and was appointed a White House Fellow under President George W. Bush at the U.S. Department of Energy. In 2018, President Trump appointed him to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows — recognizing his lifetime of service and leadership.

“I served under President Trump’s leadership and share his vision for a strong America, secure borders, and an economy that works for working people,” Smullen said. “In Congress, I’ll continue that mission — fighting alongside President Trump and building on the incredible success of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, our next Governor, to deliver results for the families of Upstate New York.”

As an Assemblyman, Smullen has served as Chairman of the Republican Conference, Co-Chair of the Assembly Sportsmen’s Caucus, and author of the Assembly Republican Rural Initiative — a blueprint to strengthen New York’s rural communities. Smullen was elected by peers as Chairman of the Assembly Republican Review Committee and is a National Board Member of the American Legislative Exchange Council. His leadership has earned respect across the state and the support of conservative voters who know he’ll bring the same grit, honor, and discipline he showed in the Marines to Congress.

Smullen’s campaign will focus on restoring fiscal sanity, securing the border, supporting law enforcement, defending veterans, and standing up for parents and families.

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.

For more information, visit www.robertsmullenforcongress.com.