Trump-backed businessman Anthony Constantino has now beaten the GOP establishment in the race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik, and the result sends a clear warning to party insiders who still think local machines can outrun President Donald Trump.
Quick Take
- CBS News projects that Constantino defeated Robert Smullen in New York’s 21st Congressional District Republican primary.[1]
- Smullen had the support of the state Republican Party and many local GOP officials.[1]
- Trump endorsed Constantino and praised him as a strong supporter.[1]
- The race became a test of Trump influence against party regulars.[2][3]
Trump’s Pick Wins a High-Stakes Primary
CBS News projects that Anthony Constantino defeated Robert Smullen in Tuesday’s Republican primary in New York’s 21st Congressional District.[1] Constantino entered the race as a political newcomer and a businessman with strong ties to President Trump.[1][3]
Smullen, a state assemblymember, had backing from the state Republican Party and other local GOP officials.[1] The result gives Trump another win in a race that many voters saw as a direct fight between movement politics and party control.
Trump’s preferred candidate wins primary to succeed Elise Stefanik https://t.co/S12jEgRdfS
— POLITICO (@politico) June 24, 2026
Trump’s endorsement was not symbolic. He publicly praised Constantino after the candidate put up a large “Vote for Trump” sign at his company headquarters in Amsterdam.[1]
Constantino also built his campaign around open support for Trump and a promise to challenge the political class that helped shape the race.[3][8]
For some voters, that matters. The primary showed that loyalty to the president still carries real weight when voters feel the party has drifted from them.
A Battle Between Outsider Energy and Party Structure
The contest exposed a split inside New York Republicans. Constantino ran as a self-funded outsider, while Smullen leaned on official party support and a broad network of local endorsements.[1][2]
That divide mirrored a larger fight inside the GOP over whether voters want bold Trump-backed challengers or familiar officeholders who play by the old rules.[4] In this district, the outsider message won.
Constantino’s campaign leaned hard into his business record, his blunt style, and his close alignment with Trump.[3][6] Reporting before the primary noted that he presented himself as a pro-immigration enforcement, pro-affordability candidate who matched Trump on key issues.[1]
He also cast his race as a chance to break the grip of establishment Republicans who had enough power to slow him down, but not enough power to stop the voters.[2][4]
What the Result Means for Republicans
The outcome also highlights how much the Trump name still shapes Republican primaries in 2026.[1][3] Constantino’s win fits a broader pattern of Trump-endorsed candidates gaining ground against rivals tied to the old guard.[18][22]
That does not mean every Trump-backed candidate wins. But it does show that in a divided GOP, Trump can still turn a primary into a loyalty test that many voters are willing to take.
Since I know this district and these numbers like the back of my hand…as @Redistrict says “I’ve seen enough”
—
Congratulations to @constantino on his overwhelming victory in today’s #NY21 Republican primary!
This was a hard fought election and the voters have spoken loudly…
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) June 24, 2026
For those frustrated with weak party leadership, the race offers a familiar lesson. Grassroots energy can beat a better-known establishment figure when voters believe the outsider is the more honest fighter.[1][2]
At the same time, the contest showed how much internal conflict within the GOP remains over identity, loyalty, and direction.[4] Constantino’s victory is not just about one district. It is another sign that Trump’s influence still defines the party’s most important fights.
Sources:
[1] Web – Trump-backed challenger beats establishment GOP candidate in primary …
[2] Web – Republican Anthony Constantino leans into Trump support … – WAMC
[3] Web – The bitter NY-21 primary highlights a fractured GOP
[4] Web – CONSTANTINO, ANTHONY THOMAS – Candidate overview – FEC
[6] Web – New York 21st Congressional District Primary Election Results
[8] Web – New York House District 21 Primary 2026 Live Results
[18] Web – Candidates endorsed by President Trump won or advanced in 37 …
[22] Web – Sabato’s Crystal Ball – UVA Center for Politics
