President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District, going against much of the state’s GOP apparatus in their choice for a candidate.

“Anthony is strongly supported by many of the most Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in our Movement, including Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Roger Stone!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Anthony has been such a Great Supporter that he actually put up a somewhat ‘controversial’ sign, against strong opposition, in my honor. The sign is still there!”

NEW: President Trump endorses Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino in #NY21, whereas much of the GOP apparatus has backed state Assemblyman Robert Smullen. pic.twitter.com/e2TSxrZyFD

— Luke Parsnow (@coolhand_luke88) April 21, 2026

Trump is referring to a large pro-Donald Trump electric sign that Constantino placed on top of a building on Elk Street in Amsterdam, in Montgomery County during the 2024 campaign. The city said the 12-foot-by-100 sign was a dangerous distraction that would impact traffic flow and took action to have the sign covered. A restraining order put in place by a state Supreme Court judge was lifted and hundreds of Trump supporters rallied at the scene of the sign during the height of the presidential campaign to show their support.

 

Trump’s endorsements of candidates have at times been crucial to their campaigns’ success in recent years. It adds a wrench of sorts into the race for the heavily Republican district, as state Assemblyman Robert Smullen has the support of the state Republican Party chair, state Conservative Party, Republicans in the state Legislature and most of the GOP county committees across the district. Smullen was also previously appointed by Trump to be a member of the President’s Commission on White House Fellows from 2018 to 2021.

Smullen told reporters later Tuesday in Albany that the endorsement doesn’t change the race. He said voters “know Anthony Constantino” but someone has “gotten to the President and encouraged him to make this endorsement without having all the facts” and encourages Trump to change his mind.

The 21st Congressional District is made up of most of the North Country and parts of the greater Capital Region and Mohawk Valley. It is being vacated by Rep. Stefanik, who was initially running for governor, but dropped that bid and will not seek reelection to her House seat.

Blake Gendebien and Stuart Amoriell are the Democrats running for the seat. Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, June 23.