Upstate New York sticker mogul has a bronze Trump statue, MAGA hip-hop album and a presidential endorsement. The local machine wants the Marine

**Upstate New York's Unlikely Trump Ally: A Sticker Mogul's Rise to Republican Prominence**

Anthony Constantino, a relative newcomer to the world of Republican politics, has made a name for himself in upstate New York by embracing his devotion to former President Donald Trump in a way that has left even the most ardent MAGA enthusiasts in awe. The owner of a successful sticker business in the city of Amsterdam, Constantino has taken his admiration for the 45th President to dizzying heights, boasting a giant "Vote for Trump" sign atop his store, recording a hip-hop album titled "Thank you President Trump," and even gifting Trump a bronze statue of himself last year at his West Palm Beach golf course.

Background & Context

Constantino's foray into politics is part of a larger narrative in upstate New York, where the Republican Party is struggling to find its footing in a rapidly changing electoral landscape. The 21st Congressional District, which spans most of New York's northern tip, has been a Republican stronghold for decades, with Rep. Elise Stefanik having won her last election by a whopping 24 points. However, Stefanik's surprise decision to suspend her campaign for governor and not seek re-election has created a power vacuum that several Republican candidates, including Constantino and state Assembly Member Robert Smullen, are eager to fill.

While Constantino's antics have generated significant buzz, they have also earned him the ire of local party officials, who overwhelmingly support Smullen in the June 23 Republican primary. Despite this, Constantino has managed to win over one powerful Republican who still has the power to sway primaries: Trump himself.

Key Details

Constantino's battle against Smullen is shaping up to be another test of Trump's pull at the ballot box, pitting the brash MAGA disciple against a more traditional conservative in the solid-red district. Constantino has relentlessly attacked Smullen, calling him a "Trump hater" and giving him a derisive nickname out of the Trump playbook – "Slimebob." He also doesn't miss a chance to feud with the state's Republican leadership, labeling the New York GOP a "failing establishment" that rejects outsiders.

"The New York GOP is a failing establishment, it's a losing establishment," Constantino said in an interview. "They reject outsiders. This happened with Donald Trump. The Republican Party tried to keep Donald Trump out, as well, because they knew he was going to reform things."

Smullen, on the other hand, has cast himself as the adult in the room, stressing his experience in the state Legislature, his military service, and his own ties to Trump. "I think I directly represent the vast majority of the people in this district, their values, what they think about issues," he said.

What Experts Say

Jack McGuire, an associate professor of politics at the State University of New York at Potsdam, notes that the district is "not your country club Republican party." "It's a largely rural area with a strong conservative bent, where voters skew older and white, with many prison guards, police officers, farmers, and devoutly religious people," McGuire said. "This is a district where Trump's brand of populism and nationalism resonates strongly, and Constantino's unapologetic embrace of Trump's style is likely to appeal to many voters."

Key Takeaways

• Constantino's campaign is a test of Trump's pull at the ballot box in a solid-red district.
• Smullen's military service and experience in the state Legislature make him a more traditional conservative candidate.
• Constantino's feud with the state's Republican leadership has generated significant buzz, but may also alienate some voters.
• The outcome of the June 23 primary will have significant implications for the Republican Party in upstate New York.

What This Means For You

As the June 23 primary approaches, voters in the 21st Congressional District will be faced with a choice between two candidates who embody different aspects of the Republican Party. While Constantino's unapologetic embrace of Trump's style may appeal to some voters, Smullen's more traditional conservative approach may resonate with others. Ultimately, the outcome of this primary will have significant implications for the Republican Party in upstate New York and will serve as a bellwether for the party's fortunes in the region.

As a voter, it's essential to consider the implications of this primary on the future of the Republican Party in upstate New York. Will Constantino's unorthodox approach pay off, or will Smullen's more traditional conservative approach prevail? The answer to this question will have significant consequences for the party's prospects in the region and will serve as a benchmark for the party's ability to adapt to changing electoral landscapes.