NY-21 Race Uncalled as Constantino Takes Lead

The contest for New York’s 21st Congressional District extended into Wednesday, drawing additional attention to an already fraught and atypical campaign, as the Associated Press had yet to officially declare a winner in the close contest. While Republican StickerMule CEO Anthony Constantino secured a narrow lead late Tuesday, Democrat Blake Gendebien informed supporters he would not concede until every vote had been tallied.

Constantino Declared Victory

Constantino claimed victory around 11 p.m. after Gendebien’s significant early advantage shrank as more rural reporting locations submitted their results. By Wednesday evening, his anticipated final winning margin was projected to be narrow, particularly when set against outgoing Congresswoman and leading Republican Elise Stefanik’s 24-point winning margin in 2024, and Trump’s 20-point triumph that same year.

A Campaign Marked by National Ties and Internal Friction

In an election broadly interpreted as a complete rejection of the Trump presidency, Constantino allied with the Trump and the Trump reciprocated. First, thank you goes to President Trump for having my back, he said during his remarks. For fighting for our country, for having my back, for inspiring me. I have to say thank you to President Donald Trump for endorsing me in the primary and for giving me another endorsement during the general election.

Republican Anthony Constantino declares victory in New York's 21st Congressional District race

Despite his win, Constantino targeted individuals he believed hindered a more substantial victory. He criticized New York state Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, Republican nominee for governor Bruce Blakeman and other party insiders on social media, and devoted a considerable portion of his acceptance speech Tuesday evening to attacking invited media for what he considered unfair coverage, naming specific reporters. Constantino won the primary with Trump’s endorsement despite a lack of support from state party leaders.

Gendebien Declined to Concede

Addressing supporters Wednesday, Gendebien refrained from formally conceding, until all votes are counted. In a written statement shortly after, he recognized that Constantino was probably on his way to Congress, wishing him well and urging him to prioritize the needs of the North Country. He also remarked on the achievement of being so competitive in the first place, giving Constantino credit for a hard-fought contest. Anthony, you’ve run a great race; we’ll continue to see what the race shows. It’s not easy to be an entrepreneur and a candidate and I respect anyone who wants to put their hat in the ring, he said.

NY-21 Race Uncalled as Constantino Takes Lead

Regardless of the official outcome, the result was notable in the context of a conventional view of New York’s political landscape and the widespread rejection of President Donald Trump that occurred elsewhere in the country. Stefanik has faced little difficulty holding onto the district since her election in 2014. Democrats managed to secure the district in 2009, but via a special election that was characterized by internal divisions on the right.