Anthony Constantino and Robert Smullen Vie for Local Office

State Assemblyman Robert Smullen received the endorsement of the St. Lawrence County Republican Committee on February 23, 2026, during a meeting for the New York 21st Congressional District GOP primary that ended with the removal of fellow candidate Anthony Constantino.

Smullen and Constantino, the owner of the Amsterdam-based printing company Sticker Mule, are both seeking the seat currently held by Elise Stefanik. The congressional district encompasses St. Lawrence and Lewis counties, the Adirondacks, areas of Jefferson County east of Watertown and extends toward Albany.

Confrontation at Endorsement Meeting

During the committee proceedings, both candidates were provided time to address the members. Constantino spoke first, followed by Smullen. After completing his remarks, Smullen opened the floor for questions, at which point Constantino interrupted the proceedings.

Smullen stated that Constantino decided to disrupt the proceedings while he was addressing the committee. Constantino defended the interruption, claiming his question was direct. Constantino asked Smullen, Why do you lie so much?

State Assemblyman Scott Gray, who attended the meeting, reported that committee chairwoman Nancy Martin attempted to restore order. Gray stated that Martin gave several warnings to Constantino, who continued to speak. Gray recalled Martin saying, I don’t want to have to do this, before looking to the sheriff.

The confrontation concluded with the local sheriff escorting Constantino out of the meeting.

Following the disruption, the committee voted in favor of Smullen. Assemblyman Gray described the support as clear, noting that approximately 30 people in the room raised their hands to second the nomination.

Mutual Accusations and Campaign Conflict

Following the February 23 meeting, Constantino accused Smullen of repeatedly lying about his political record. Specifically, Constantino challenged Smullen’s claims regarding his support for former President Donald Trump.

Constantino asserted that he did support the president in 2016, stating that Federal Election Commission filings show he donated to Donald Trump.

Smullen has since characterized Constantino as unfit for public office based on a separate radio interview. Smullen claimed that during the broadcast, John Stephens, the mayor of Ilion, asked Constantino why he chose to run a negative campaign rather than offering positive solutions. Smullen alleged that Constantino completely unraveled during that exchange.

In a separate response regarding the St. Lawrence County meeting, Smullen stated that he remained respectful and allowed Constantino to present his case to the Republican Committee without interruption before the disruption occurred.