New York state Republican Party Chair Ed Cox has endorsed state Assemblyman Robert Smullen in the GOP race to succeed U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 21st Congressional District, Cox announced Wednesday.
“Robert Smullen is exactly the kind of leader we need representing Upstate New York in Washington. After 24 years of distinguished service as a United States Marine Corps Colonel, including multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, Robert has already proven his commitment to defending our country and the values we hold dear,” Cox said in a statement. “Robert is the only candidate in this race appointed by President Donald Trump, and I know he will be a strong advocate for President Trump’s agenda in Congress. From securing our border to restoring American energy independence and standing up for working families, Robert will fight to advance the policies that are putting America back on track.”
The state party made the choice to back Smullen over Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino, who is also seeking the Republican nomination for the seat.
Smullen has represented parts of Herkimer, Fulton, Montgomery, Oneida and Otsego counties in the state Assembly since 2019. He was also appointed by President Donald Trump to be a member of the President’s Commission on White House Fellows from 2018 to 2021.
“Since coming to Albany, Robert has been a fearless champion for conservative principles and for the people of Upstate New York. He has stood up to one-party rule, defended our constitutional freedoms, backed law enforcement, and fought for the rural communities that are too often ignored by New York’s political establishment,” Cox said.
Last month, Smullen was also backed by the state Conservative Party, one of only two third parties – the other being the progressive Working Families Party – that will have automatic statewide ballot access in 2026.
Blake Gendebien and Dylan Hewitt are the Democrats running for the seat. Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, June 23.
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 Stefanik, who was initially running for governor, but dropped that bid and will not seek reelection to her House seat.