Trump Republican goes all in on the president in upstate New York GOP primary

Key Points:

• Anthony Constantino, a political newcomer in upstate New York, is running in the Republican primary for the 21st Congressional District seat, heavily promoting his support for Donald Trump through various unconventional means, including a "Vote for Trump" sign and a hip-hop album.
• Constantino has received a direct endorsement from Trump, who praised him and highlighted his strong MAGA support, positioning Constantino against state Assembly Member Robert Smullen, a more traditional conservative backed by local GOP officials.
• The race is viewed as a test of Trump's influence in a solidly Republican district that includes rural areas, military bases, and working-class communities, with Smullen emphasizing his military and legislative experience and his own ties to Trump.
• The candidates differ sharply in style: Smullen runs a conventional campaign focused on experience and community engagement, while Constantino adopts a more flamboyant, outsider approach, often attacking the GOP establishment and labeling Smullen a "Trump hater."
• Local GOP leadership and the state Conservative Party support Smullen, who stresses his conservative credentials despite Constantino's attacks, framing the contest as a clash between establishment Republicans and a Trump-aligned insurgent.