Smullen for Congress Releases Closing Ad "Character Counts" Ahead of June 23 Primary

NEW YORK (June 16, 2026) – Smullen for Congress today released its closing television advertisement, "Character Counts," ahead of the June 23 Republican and Conservative Party primary in New York's 21st Congressional District. The ad will begin airing tomorrow, June 16.

The 30-second spot features Robert Smullen – retired Marine Corps Colonel and Republican and Conservative Party candidate for Congress – drawing a sharp contrast with opponent Lifelong Democrat Anthony Constantino on character, record, and fitness for office.

In the ad, Smullen highlights his 24 years of military service, including three tours in Afghanistan, before turning to Constantino's documented record: anti-police rhetoric, mocking the disabled, hiring convicted sex offenders on his campaign, and spending millions on a campaign built on deception rather than substance.

The ad closes with a direct pledge to voters: "I'm a patriot who served our country. In Congress, I'll be a patriot who serves you."

The full text of the ad is as follows:

"I'm Robert Smullen. Marine Colonel. Three tours in Afghanistan and the Conservative and Republican candidate for Congress. I've spent my life serving America. My opponent? A lifelong Democrat. He attacked police. Mocked the disabled. Hired sex offenders. Now he's spending millions lying about me because he can't defend his own record. The truth is simple: I'm a patriot who served our country. In Congress, I'll be a patriot who serves you. I'm Robert Smullen, and I approve this message."

"Anthony Constantino can spend all the money he wants, but he cannot hide from his own record," said Assemblyman Robert Smullen. "This race comes down to a simple choice: a Marine Colonel who has spent his life serving America, or a lifelong Democrat who has spent his career attacking the police, mocking the vulnerable, and employing sex offenders. Voters in New York's 21st District deserve to know the truth before they cast their ballots."

"Character Counts" will run across the district's media markets in the final days before the June 23 primary, as early voting continues through June 21st.

Smullen is the endorsed candidate of the New York State Republican Party, the Conservative Party of New York State, the New York State Troopers PBA, Teamsters Local 294, the NRA, the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Gun Owners of America – New York, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and 12 of 15 county Republican committees in New York's 21st District.