Trump mega-fan enters race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik, pledges to self-fund in GOP primary: ‘My way of giving back’
Anthony Constantino—CEO of the sticker‑making firm Sticker Mule in Amsterdam and an unabashed Trump enthusiast—has announced that he’ll run for the U.S. House seat once held by Rep. Elise Stefanik. Stefanik is stepping down to seek the governorship of New York in 2026, leaving the North Country district open.
Constantino is no stranger to the political spotlight. He famously displayed a huge “Vote for Trump” sign on top of his storefront, sparking a courtroom clash over display permits, and has even accused Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar of putting a hit on him.
At a recent launch event where he handed out dozens of turkeys to the crowd, Constantino said, “I’ve enjoyed tremendous success and politics is my way of giving back.” He went on to declare, “The world is changing and we need political leaders that get it. Instead we’ve been stuck with dinosaurs whose top concern is often their next donor‑funded meal.”
The entrepreneur plans to self‑fund the entire campaign and will face Fulton County Assemblyman Robert Smulle—an ex‑Marine colonel—if the primary proceeds. He hints that other candidates could also throw their hats in the ring.
Stefanik, speaking to News 12, made it clear she would not weigh in on the successor race, stating, “I am not at his point making an endorsement.”
In the heavily Republican district—rated “safe” by the Cook Political Report—two Democrats have already entered the race: Blake Gendebien and Dylan Hewitt. Despite that, Stefanik has expressed confidence that “the Republican will win in the general election.”
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