Burlton neighbor's sticker firm owner claims NY 21st win amid vote count

Republican Anthony Constantino is moving to claim victory in New York's 21st Congressional District on Wednesday, even as thousands of ballots remain uncounted across the North Country. As of Wednesday night, Constantino leads Democratic challenger Gendebien by approximately 6,000 votes, with 95% of the total reported.

The race represents the closest margin this heavily Republican-leaning district has seen in years. Gendebien stated that his campaign achieved the closest result for a Democrat in a decade. He credited the effort with inspiring record turnout among neighbors who had skipped previous elections. "We are closer than any other Democrat has been in a decade, and we helped to inspire record turnout with neighbors who sat out election after election and decided this one was worth winning," Gendebien said.

Constantino declared victory on Tuesday night. He thanked his supporters, specifically acknowledging the employees of his sticker business, Sticker Mule. Constantino noted that the campaign was difficult for the company but expressed pride in the outcome. "I want to say thank you to everyone at Sticker Mule that stayed by me through this adventure. I know it has been very difficult for the company, but I think we did the right thing for the country, for America, for the world, and we should be proud of what we did," he said.

Turnout data shows a 55% participation rate in the 21st District, a 5% decrease from 2022. Six counties within the district voted blue, including Franklin, Essex, and Clinton counties. The numbers do not appear sufficient for Gendebien to flip the seat. Harvey Schantz, a political science professor at SUNY Plattsburgh, acknowledged that a reversal is possible if more votes are counted. However, Schantz stated that Constantino currently holds a strong position. "Of course, if there are more remaining votes to be counted, then the difference between the candidates is that it's always possible there will be a reversal of fortune. But as of now, it seems that Anthony Constantino is in the catbird seat," Schantz said.

The victory celebration took a tense turn late Wednesday night when Constantino criticized the media. In a speech containing profanities, he targeted what he called the "evil news media" and a reporter from WWNY. Constantino instructed the room to eject the journalist. "You're a bunch of [expletive] [expletive].. ..Look at that [expletive] right there. Him. Take a picture of him...Get him out. Get him out right now. Kick him out. Kick him out. Kick him out."

WWNY reporter Garrett Domblewski described the confrontation. He recounted that Constantino initially focused on a print reporter before speaking about Gendebien. Despite having shaken Domblewski's hand earlier in the evening, Constantino targeted the news crew 15 to 20 minutes later. The reporter stated that Constantino subsequently ejected them from the event.