Smullen Responds to Constantino’s Unhinged Rant Calling Him A “F*cking Coward"

NY-21 Candidate Calls Remarks “Unacceptable” and Demands Apology on Behalf of All NY-21 Veterans and Voters

JOHNSTOWN, New York (January 13, 2026) — Colonel Robert Smullen (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.), candidate for Congress in New York’s 21st Congressional District, responded today to remarks made by his opponent, Anthony Constantino, in which Constantino referred to Smullen as a “f*cking coward.”

“These are his words,” Smullen said. “And voters deserve to know exactly who he is talking about.”

“We should all be used to Anthony Constantino’s unhinged and nonsensical rants by now, but his most recent one has crossed a line. I served 24 years in the United States Marine Corps, including multiple combat tours. On September 11, 2001, I was in the Marines and was among the first U.S. forces into Afghanistan following the terrorist attacks on the United States," said Smullen.

“My service to this country did not end when I retired from the Marine Corps,” Smullen said. “In 2018, I was honored to be appointed by President Trump to serve in his Administration. I am proud to be the only candidate in this race who was appointed by President Trump and who has supported him consistently since 2016.”

“I have been called a lot of things, but a coward is not one of them. Calling one veteran a coward is calling all of us a coward,” Smullen said. “My opponent’s comments are disgraceful and disgusting. His unhinged rants and overall character prove he is dangerously unfit to serve in public office. He owes the people of NY-21, and especially those who have served this country, an apology.”

Smullen is running for Congress to continue his lifelong commitment to service – standing for national security, defending constitutional freedoms, supporting veterans, and putting America First.


FACTS

Anthony Constantino:

  • Was a registered Democrat from 2018 until recently.
  • Did not vote in Republican primary elections in 2016 or 2020, meaning he did not vote of President Trump in those two primaries.
  • Is a Democratic donor.


Robert Smullen:

  • Original supporter of President Donald Trump and voted for him in every primary and general election in which he’s appeared on the ballot.
  • Stood up for President Trump on the New York Assembly floor.
  • Most importantly: The only candidate to be appointed by President Trump and serve in his Administration.