When North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik was nominated by President Donald Trump 18 months ago to serve as U.N. ambassador, it was assumed that the 2026 race for New York’s 21st Congressional District would feature a new Republican incumbent.

Instead, it has turned into a deeply personal primary between a state Assemblymember and a businessman, with Trump attempting to put his endorsement power to work while the incumbent has so far declined to publicly get involved.

Assemblymember Robert Smullen argues his government experience and familiarity with the district make him best suited for the job, while Anthony Constantino, CEO of Amsterdam-based custom sticker company Sticker Mule, insists his business experience would help attract manufacturing jobs and economic development to the region.

Smullen laid out his priorities in an interview with Spectrum News 1 this week, citing federal oversight of the state’s energy policy, border security and economic issues as top concerns.

“I directly represent the values of the vast majority of the people in this district,” Smullen said. “What’s going on with affordability, all of these energy mandates, they need some work at the federal level. I’m going to make sure the northern border stays closed. The border is one of the largest ones with Canada; it’s absolutely critical.”

Constantino likewise cited securing the northern border and also stressed expanded internet access across the North Country, but his key emphasis is job creation.

“Jobs, jobs, jobs. I’ve been creating jobs my whole life, and I want to create more jobs representing the 21st Congressional District,” he said, though he has also at times promoted automation in manufacturing. “I’ve created an incredible American manufacturing company. I want to bring back American manufacturing in a big way. If I enter Congress, I’ll be the No. 1 expert on American manufacturing and inspire other people.”

While the candidates agree on many issues, the drama in the race runs deep. Constantino received Trump’s endorsement in April. In announcing the endorsement, Trump referenced a large “Vote for Trump” sign Constantino erected along the New York State Thruway during the 2024 campaign, as well as support from Trump allies Roger Stone and Rudy Giuliani.

Smullen has the institutional support, including the state’s Conservative and Republican party machines.

“The president looked at my entire history and decided to endorse me,” Constantino said. “It’s the greatest endorsement you could get. My opponent happens to know party insiders for most of his life.”

Following the endorsement, Smullen implied Trump had received bad advice from his inner circle and has continued to point to the fact that he was appointed by Trump in 2018 to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows.

“I was appointed by President Trump in the last administration,” he said. “He trusted me before and I look forward to being the representative for the 21st Congressional District because I’ve been out there on the ground in these 15 counties. Let’s be fair: Of the 15 counties, every committee that has held an endorsement vote has voted for me.”

Separate from that, Constantino clashed with Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar last year over issues stemming from his candidacy in the run-up to the special election that never was.

U.S. policy toward Iran is one area where the candidates show little daylight. Smullen, a veteran, said he would follow the views of his constituents if elected but currently supports Trump’s approach.

“I support the president’s policy in Iran right now. I am confident and optimistic that the conflict is going to come to an end soon and that will ease the energy shortages and cost increases.”

Constantino said he would be happy to advise the president if needed, but generally trusts his judgment.

“You want to support leadership so they can act and use their judgment. President Trump is the best decision-maker we have and he cares about peace, and we have to support him and trust him,” he said.

Smullen declined to shake Constantino’s hand at a recent debate, citing what he characterized as Constantino’s campaign tactics. Constantino has dismissed criticism of his character and said Smullen is trying to distract from issues with his own candidacy.

“He is not fit to serve in this office and I look forward to winning this race,” said Smullen.

“He’s just trying to confuse people because he doesn’t have a record to run on. That’s all that’s about,” Constantino said.

The infighting has drawn comparisons among some to the 2009 special election in the then-23rd Congressional District. In that race, Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava suspended her campaign at the last minute and endorsed Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman after criticism from Tea Party activists who argued she was too moderate. Democrat Bill Owens ultimately won the seat.

The comparison has given Democrats some hope that if Constantino wins the Republican primary and Smullen remains in the race, a similar outcome could be possible.

“I will be on the Conservative line in November,” Smullen said, adding that he is confident he will win the Republican primary once voters learn more about Constantino.

Constantino likewise downplayed the possibility of splitting conservatives, but suggested the dynamics favor him.

“I think people will find their conscience and do the right thing,” he said. “I don’t expect to have my opponent on the Conservative line in November.”

Despite the district’s significant Republican lean, Grant Reeher, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, said Democrats should not be counted out entirely.

“That seat, if you look at it on paper, should not have been Democrat for the couple of terms that it was,” he said, adding that a Democratic candidate who avoided moving too far left could find an opening. “If they do run into this problem where they are running against themselves, it does allow the right Democratic candidate to run up the middle and get enough of the votes that are left to win.”