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Anthony Constantino, a Republican candidate for New York's 21st Congressional District, will hold a town hall meeting tonight (March 27) at 6 p.m. on Forest Avenue in Amsterdam. Constantino, the CEO of Sticker Mule, is one of several candidates vying to replace Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who is expected to resign soon to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Constantino has not ruled out running as a third-party candidate if he does not secure the GOP nomination.
The selection of the Republican nominee will be decided by party leaders across the district's 15 counties, not by voters. Constantino, a political newcomer, has been vocal about his willingness to consider a third-party run, especially if the GOP chooses a candidate he perceives as not supportive enough of President Donald Trump. He has criticized state Senator Dan Stec, a preferred candidate of the state Conservative Party, for his past hesitance to endorse Trump.
According to Times Union, Constantino believes that a third-party run could serve as a bargaining chip in his negotiations with the GOP. He has also commissioned a new poll to gauge his support among voters. Meanwhile, WWNY reports that the Democratic party has already selected Lisbon farmer Blake Gendebien as their candidate.
The special election to fill Stefanik's seat is expected to be scheduled for late June or early July, depending on when Governor Kathy Hochul sets the date. Stefanik's confirmation vote for the U.N. ambassador role is slated for April 2 (Wednesday), as reported by Times Union.