Will Trump's Endorsement Boost the Sign Maker's Influence?

WHO:

AP News - Anthony Constantino, a political newcomer and candidate in the Republican primary, is running to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik.

AP News - Robert Smullen, state Assembly Member and former U.S. Marine Corps colonel, is Constantino's opponent in the primary.

AP News - President Trump endorsed Anthony Constantino, stating he is supported by "many of the most Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in our Movement, including Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Roger Stone."

WHAT:

AP News - Constantino has a giant “Vote for Trump” sign atop his sticker business in Amsterdam, New York.

AP News - Constantino recorded a hip-hop album titled “Thank you President Trump.”

AP News - Constantino gifted Trump a bronze statue of himself last year at Trump's West Palm Beach golf course.

AP News - Constantino is attacking Smullen, calling him a “Trump hater” and nicknaming him “Slimebob.”

AP News - Stefanik won her last race by 24 points in the 21st Congressional District.

WHERE:

AP News - The primary is taking place in the 21st Congressional District of New York, which includes the city of Amsterdam and spans most of New York’s northern tip.

AP News - The district includes the Adirondack Mountains, Fort Drum, dairy farms, and numerous small cities, towns, and villages.

WHEN:

AP News - The Republican primary is scheduled for June 23.

WHY:

AP News - Constantino's campaign is positioned as a test of Trump's influence at the ballot box, contrasting a brash MAGA disciple against a traditional conservative.

HOW:

AP News - Constantino's campaign style includes relentless attacks on his opponent and feuding with state Republican leadership, while Smullen runs a traditional campaign engaging with voters at community events.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 14:02 UTC)

In a significant development, President Trump has endorsed political newcomer Anthony Constantino in the Republican primary to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik, highlighting his support from prominent MAGA figures like Rudy Giuliani and Roger Stone. Constantino, who has a large "Vote for Trump" sign atop his sticker business in Amsterdam, New York, is facing off against state Assembly Member Robert Smullen, whom he has labeled a "Trump hater" and nicknamed "Slimebob." The primary is set for June 23, and Constantino's campaign is seen as a test of Trump's influence, contrasting his aggressive style with Smullen's more traditional approach.