Republican business owner Anthony Constantino and Democrat Blake Gendebien, a second generation farmer won their respective parties primary on June 23 as they enter the general election in November looking to represent New York’s 21st district in Congress.
The district covers over 16,000 square miles and is geographically the largest in the state.
Both candidates are running to succeed exiting GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik who decided against running for reelection.
According to unofficial New York State Board of Elections results representing all early and election day ballots, Constantino defeated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and four-term New York State Assemblyman Robert J. Smullen, R-118, by a margin of 58.59% to 39.80% with 14,704 votes cast.
Gendebien upped local Restauranteur Stuart Amoriell 62.40% to 33.63% of the total vote.
Of an unofficial total 49,004 ballots cast in total, 14,704 votes were cast in the Republican race, with 24,300 Democratic votes, representing an approximately 20-point deficit in GOP turnout.
Constantino declares victory
Constantino joked with supporters at his results watch party at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield.
The candidate ran his primary race by identifying unapologetically as MAGA and aligning himself with the principles and politics of President Donald Trump.
Self-effacing, he acknowledged in his thanks to the President for his endorsement, and to his supporters, “…because I’m not a typical candidate. I’m not a typical guy.”
“President Trump endorsed me. Why did he do that, beside me putting up a big sign he really likes,” joked Constantino? “He endorsed the will of the voters. I wanted to thank him for having the courage to do that.”
Constantino outlined next steps being to go out and appeal to moderates from both parties and independent voters with his message.
Summed Constantino, “I genuinely think the MAGA ideas are better ideas.”
After a race wrought with acrimony, Constantino – who is now tasked with convincing his opponent not to run in the general election representing the Conservative Party, offered gratitude to Smullen and his supporters for preparing him for the general election fight.
“To my opponent, Robert Sumullen, for his incredible military service and the fight he brought to this campaign,” said Constantino in a palpable shift to a serious tone, “If I just got anointed, I wouldn’t have learned anything. So thank you to him…everyone who worked to help him on his side. I truly mean that.”
Gendebien speaks after winning primary
In his victory speech, Gendebien shouted out the constituent cohorts he has promised to fight for “the farmer in St. Lawrence County who can’t get a fair price for his milk…the senior in Plattsburgh rationing her medication because she can’t afford the copay…the veteran coming home to Fort Drum who can’t find a doctor…the family in Fort Edward sitting around the kitchen table trying to figure out how to pay the bills when everything keeps getting more expensive.”
“This campaign has never been about a party. It has never been about political insiders. And it has never been about me,” appealed Gendebien. “This campaign is for everyone who believes that Upstate deserves better.”
With respect to his opponent and North Country neighbor, Gendebein thank Amoriell for his service in raising his hand and running his race.
“I want to thank Stuart Amoriell for running a campaign focused on the issues that matter to this community,” said Gendebien. “Democracy is stronger when good people step forward and participate.”
Onto the general election
In their respective victory speeches, the now general election candidates for NY21 called each other out to define the race ahead.
Gendebien reminded voters that they will “have a choice” in November.
“They can choose another self-serving, wannabe DC insider who thinks millions of dollars can buy a seat in Congress,” Gendebien offered, “Someone who has always put his interests first—just ask the workers he replaced with robots.”
“Or they can choose a farmer, Someone who has spent his life working here, raising a family here, and fighting for this community. Someone who understands that public service is about serving people—not yourself.”
Constantino referenced Gendebien from his winner’s circle to say, “We’re running against a very bad hombre.”
The GOP candidate conceded with a grin, “President Trump’s words, but I’m probably going to keep using them.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Constantino, Gendebien win primaries, will vie to represent NY- 21
Reporting by Cara Dolan Berry, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cara Dolan Berry, Utica Observer Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
