New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Endorses Robert Smullen for Congress

GLOVERSVILLE, New York – Assemblyman Robert Smullen, candidate for Congress in New York’s 21st Congressional District, today announced the endorsement of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, New York’s oldest and most prominent Second Amendment advocacy organization.

The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association’s endorsement is notable for coming early in the congressional primary process. The organization rarely weighs in at this stage of a race, but cited Smullen’s solid, never-yielding record of defending the Second Amendment and standing firm against unconstitutional gun control as the reason for its early support.

Announcing the endorsement on behalf of the organization, Tom King, President of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, said, “For law-abiding gun owners, Bob Smullen has been a reliable and vocal defender of the Second Amendment. He understands that firearm ownership in NY-21 is not a political talking point – it is a way of life tied to hunting traditions, personal safety, and constitutional liberty.”

Beyond Smullen’s strong Second Amendment record, the Association pointed to his broader defense of Upstate New York values and rural communities. As an Assemblyman, Smullen has repeatedly opposed Albany-driven gun control mandates that target responsible citizens while failing to address violent crime. He has consistently stood firm against government overreach, refused to compromise on core constitutional rights, and defended the interests of sportsmen, veterans, and rural families across the district.

Smullen has also argued that public safety is best achieved by enforcing the law against criminals rather than restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens, a position that has earned him strong credibility with Second Amendment advocates throughout NY-21.

The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association’s endorsement adds to Smullen’s growing momentum across the district. Smullen has earned the support of dozens of elected state and local leaders and has secured unanimous county Republican Party endorsements in Essex County, Franklin County, and Hamilton County. He has also been unanimously endorsed by the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors and received the endorsement of the Warren County Conservative Party.

“I am honored to earn the endorsement of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association,” Smullen said. “Their early support reflects my record. I have never backed down from defending the Second Amendment, and I never will. In Congress, I will continue standing with law-abiding gun owners, hunters, veterans, and rural families and putting Upstate New York first.”