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State Assemblyman Robert Smullen has been endorsed by New York State Republican Party Chair Ed Cox in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 21st Congressional District. Smullen, who previously served as a United States Marine Corps Colonel and was appointed by Donald Trump to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows, was chosen as the candidate to back over Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino. The state Conservative Party also supported Smullen, who has represented parts of five counties in the state Assembly since 2019, and the primary elections will be held in June.
NY Republican Party Chair Endorses Robert Smullen for 21st Congressional District
State Assemblyman Robert Smullen received an endorsement from New York Republican Party Chair Ed Cox for the upcoming GOP race to replace U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 21st Congressional District. Cox lauded Smullen’s dedication as a former Marine Corps Colonel and his alignment with President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Compared to Anthony Constantino, Sticker Mule CEO, who is also vying for the Republican nomination, the state party chose Smullen. The Assemblyman is known for representing Herkimer, Fulton, Montgomery, Oneida, and Otsego counties since 2019 and being a member of Trump’s Commission on White House Fellows between 2018 and 2021.
Smullen’s conservative principles and advocacy for Upstate New York, as well as his support for law enforcement and rural communities are major factors in the endorsement. Last month, the state Conservative Party also backed Smullen, ensuring his place on the 2026 ballot alongside the progressive Working Families Party.
Democrats Blake Gendebien and Dylan Hewitt are running for Stefanik’s vacated Congressional seat, with primary elections scheduled for Tuesday, June 23. Stefanik was initially running for governor, but withdrew from the race and will not seek reelection to her House seat, which represents most of the North Country, greater Capital Region, and Mohawk Valley.
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