Nasty upstate Republican primary tests power of Trump endorsement

Key Points:

• The Republican primary for a New York congressional seat has become a fierce contest between Anthony Constantino, endorsed by Donald Trump, and party-backed Robert Smullen, highlighting a divide between Trump loyalists and traditional GOP leaders.
• Constantino, a businessman and Trump supporter, has spent heavily on his campaign and emphasizes fighting for "America First," while Smullen, a retired Marine and state assemblyman, has secured endorsements from local GOP committees and state party leadership.
• The race has grown increasingly contentious with personal attacks, legal threats, and accusations about character and past actions, making voter decisions hinge more on personality and background than policy differences.
• Despite Trump’s endorsement of Constantino and support from figures like Rep. Jim Jordan, many local Republicans view Smullen as the steadier, more qualified candidate, citing Constantino’s combative behavior and controversial business decisions.
• Political analysts predict the district will likely remain Republican regardless of the primary outcome, but the bitter contest reflects broader tensions within the GOP between establishment figures and Trump-aligned outsiders.