Smullen Earns NRA Endorsement And "A" Rating in NY-21 Congressional Race

Retired Marine Colonel and Conservative Fighter Recognized as a Proven Defender of the Second Amendment

GLOVERSVILLE, New York (June 8, 2026) – Robert Smullen, the Republican and Conservative Party candidate for New York's 21st Congressional District, today announced he has earned the endorsement of the National Rifle Association and an "A" rating from the nation's leading Second Amendment organization.

The NRA's "A" rating is reserved for candidates with a proven record of supporting gun rights and opposing restrictions on law-abiding firearms owners. The endorsement reflects Smullen's consistent and unwavering defense of Second Amendment rights throughout his career in the New York State Assembly.

"I am honored to earn the endorsement and 'A' rating of the National Rifle Association," said Smullen. "The Second Amendment is not negotiable. As a Marine Corps Colonel, I understand better than most what it means to bear arms in defense of our nation and our values. In Congress, I will fight every day to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners across NY-21 and across this country."

The NRA endorsement adds to Smullen's already extensive coalition of support, which includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the New York State Republican Party, the New York State Conservative Party, 12 of 15 county Republican committees, the New York State Troopers PBA, Teamsters Local 294, and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.

Smullen, a retired Marine Corps Colonel with 24 years of service, currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Republican Conference. He was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the President's Commission on White House Fellows and is the only Trump-appointed candidate in the race.

The Republican primary for New York's 21st Congressional District is June 23, 2026.