Full Breakdown
Trump-Endorsed Candidate Consolidates Support as Assemblyman Robert Smullen Withdraws from NY-21 Race
7/4/2026, 1:26:39 AM
Smullen Withdraws After Oval Office Meeting
State Assemblyman Robert Smullen announced Friday that he will not appear on the Conservative Party line for New York’s 21st Congressional District. He said a White House meeting with former President Donald Trump reinforced the need to keep the seat Republican.
Background and Key Figures
Smullen lost the June 23 Republican primary to Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino, who won the GOP nomination with Trump’s endorsement. Representative Elise Stefanik, NY-21’s incumbent since 2015, is retiring, leaving the open seat for the 2026 midterms. Other contenders include Democrat Blake Gendebien, a dairy farmer, and the Conservative Party line that Smullen had secured.
Election Landscape and Impact
NY-21 is a northern New York district. After Smullen’s exit the contest is a two-candidate race between Constantino and Gendebien, removing a possible three-way split that could have aided Democrats. Constantino also appears on a “Taxpayer Rights Party” line; Gendebien failed to qualify for a third-party “Lower Costs Now” line after a petition challenge. The consolidation of Republican support improves the party’s odds of retaining the seat, a former GOP stronghold.
Official Statements
Smullen said he was honored to meet Trump and confident in the former president’s vision, adding he remains energized to keep NY-21 Republican. Constantino thanked Smullen for withdrawing, calling the campaign hard-fought and noting renewed Republican enthusiasm.
Democratic Criticism
The New York Times reported that Democrats’ hopes of flipping Stefanik’s seat were dealt a serious blow after the Conservative line was abandoned, reducing the chance of a three-way contest.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree Smullen withdrew after a White House meeting, but the exact date of the Oval Office encounter is reported only as “Wednesday” before the July 3 announcement. No source details any formal agreement beyond the public statement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am deeply honored to have met with President Trump and grateful for our discussions.” — Robert Smullen, Assemblyman
- “I am confident in President Trump’s vision for this country and am energized about keeping NY-21 in Republican hands and finding an alternative path to continue public service myself.” — Robert Smullen, Assemblyman
- “Constantino released a statement on Smullen’s decision: Thank you Assemblyman Smullen for withdrawing from the Conservative line to help us win in November.” — Anthony Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule
- “It was a hard fought campaign that sharpened my skills and taught me a lot. I thank you for all your effort in this campaign and ongoing service to our nation. We created tremendous interest and made people excited to be Republicans!” — Anthony Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule
What’s Next
Constantino will face Democrat Blake Gendebien in the November general election. Both will appear on the “Taxpayer Rights Party” line as the Republican Party seeks to retain NY-21 in the 2026 midterms.
